Ganga under the stars

Photographer

Thibault Gerbaldi

Category

Editorial Photography - Travel

Company

Submission Group

Amateur

Year

2026

Country / Region:

United States

As darkness falls over Varanasi, thousands gather along the ghats and aboard wooden boats for the Ganga Aarti, one of Hinduism’s most revered daily ceremonies. From above, the river becomes a constellation of light, where flames, prayers, and reflections merge into a timeless ritual. For centuries, the Ganges has been more than a river—it is a sacred lifeline, drawing pilgrims who come to celebrate life, seek blessings, and honor those who have passed.

More Platinum Winner Winners
Amateur
2026

Photographer / Company

Riley Fox

Category

Editorial Photography - Photojournalism

Country / Region

United States

Professional
2026

Photographer / Company

TamaU

Category

Fine Art Photography - Landscape

Country / Region

Japan

Professional
2026

Photographer / Company

Melissa N. Robertson

Category

Fine Art Photography - Religious

Country / Region

United States

Amateur
2026

Photographer / Company

topho-san

Category

Editorial Photography - Travel

Country / Region

Japan