"frightened"

#12434146

1 June 2025

Nepali devotees light haystacks as they participate in the procession of welcoming Rato Machhindranath back to his home after the completion of Bhoto Jatra in Bungmati of Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, observed for at least a month to four months, ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath starts around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#12434149

1 June 2025

Nepali devotees light haystacks as they participate in the procession of welcoming Rato Machhindranath back to his home after the completion of Bhoto Jatra in Bungmati of Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, observed for at least a month to four months, ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath starts around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#12434150

1 June 2025

Nepali devotees light haystacks as they participate in the procession of welcoming Rato Machhindranath back to his home after the completion of Bhoto Jatra in Bungmati of Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, observed for at least a month to four months, ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath starts around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#12434156

1 June 2025

The idol of Lord Rato Machhindranath is pictured during a procession of the homecoming of the god after completing the Bhoto Jatra procession in Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath is observed for at least a month to four months and ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath started around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#12434163

1 June 2025

The idol of Lord Rato Machhindranath is pictured during a procession of the homecoming of the god after completing the Bhoto Jatra procession in Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath is observed for at least a month to four months and ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath started around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#12434165

1 June 2025

The idol of Lord Rato Machhindranath is pictured during a procession of the homecoming of the god after completing the Bhoto Jatra procession in Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 1, 2025. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath is observed for at least a month to four months and ends with the showing of the 'Bhoto,' expecting the rightful owner to come and claim it. Historians claim that the chariot procession of Machindranath started around 1,300 years ago. According to legend, shortly after the procession starts, the queen of the serpent king Karkotak develops an eye ailment. While searching for a healer, Karkotak mistakes a farmer working in the fields for a physician and brings him to Taudaha, a wetland on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Frightened, the farmer prays to Machhindranath and rubs his hands on the soil to make an herbal paste. He offers it to Karkotak as medicine, and the paste cures the queen's eyes. Grateful, Karkotak rewards the farmer with a jewel-studded vest (bhoto) and returns him to the human world. The farmer begins wearing the bhoto while working in his fields. One day, a ghost in human form steals the vest. The farmer searches everywhere but cannot find it. Later, while attending the Machhindranath chariot festival, he sees the ghost wearing the same vest and claims it as his. When the ghost refuses to return it, a dispute breaks out. People summon Karkotak to resolve the conflict. In the end, because neither party can prove ownership, they entrust the bhoto to Machhindranath. Since then, devotees follow the tradition of displaying the bhoto after the chariot procession, hoping that someone with valid proof of ownership will come forward. Each year, they display the sacred vest on an auspicious date. According to legend, no one has succeeded in proving ownership of the bhoto so far.

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#11930340

9 January 2025

In Buchloe, Bavaria, Germany, on December 30, 2024, a woman walks along a clear pathway with snow-covered areas on both sides on a foggy winter morning. Frost-covered plants and lamp posts line the route, while a red pedestrian traffic signal and distant houses are faintly visible through the dense fog.

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#11812482

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812483

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812484

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812485

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812486

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812487

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812488

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812489

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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#11812490

26 November 2024

On December 9, 2023, menacing participants clad in elaborate Krampus costumes parade through the town square. These terrifying figures, complete with large twisted horns, snarling masks, and dark fur, hold blazing torches that illuminate their fearsome appearances. Against the backdrop of the town's festive holiday lights and traditional Alpine architecture, the fiery spectacle creates a captivating contrast. Onlookers, bundled in warm winter attire, gather to watch the event, adding to the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The Krampus Run is a centuries-old Bavarian tradition that brings the folklore of Krampus to life, blending eerie theatrics with the spirit of the holiday season. The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Central and Eastern Alpine regions. Traditionally, he is said to accompany Saint Nicholas during his visits to children on the night of December 5, known as Krampusnacht, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. In this folklore, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty, often using birch rods to scare them into better behavior. Today, the Krampus is prominently featured in traditional parades, such as the Krampuslauf, or 'Krampus run,' where young men dressed as Krampus attempt to frighten onlookers with their mischievous antics, further cementing his place in local customs and celebrations.

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