"Practising"

#13219413

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219414

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a flock of seagulls eagerly swoops down to snatch food thrown by visitors near Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the monk Hyejeong, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, witnesses a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13219418

20 January 2026

On January 20, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, a view of the Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva at Bomunsa Temple on Ganghwa Island, South Korea, is observed. Dancheong, ornate designs painted in striking reds, blues, greens, and golds, not only enhance the aesthetic beauty of the sacred space but also symbolize protection and spiritual harmony. The craftsmanship reflects centuries of cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into Korea's enduring artistic and religious traditions. Bomunsa Temple, located on Seokmodo Island in South Korea, traces its origins back to the year 635 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. According to historical accounts, the temple is founded by the monk Hyejeong, who, while practicing asceticism on Mount Geumgang, is said to witness a divine manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Moved by the vision, he journeys to Ganghwa Island and establishes the temple. Legend holds that the temple's history begins when a sacred stone is retrieved from the sea and enshrined as a representation of the Buddha. This act of reverence marks the beginning of Bomunsa's spiritual legacy, which continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to this day.

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#13127418

24 December 2025

A Nepali Christian child poses for a photo at the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, which becomes the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. However, they share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127419

24 December 2025

The Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, is decked with lights on Christmas Eve on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur city is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, which becomes the center of attraction for the visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. They, however, share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127420

24 December 2025

A Nepali Christian prays in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, which becomes the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions, however, share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127421

24 December 2025

Decorations hang on the premises of the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, which becomes the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. However, they share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127422

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127423

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127424

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127425

24 December 2025

A Nepali Christian prays in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, which becomes the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions, however, share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127427

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127428

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127429

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127430

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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#13127431

24 December 2025

A mass prayer ceremony takes place in the Assumption Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on December 24, 2025. Churches across Nepal are decorated with lights and decorations to mark the evening with gaiety and fanfare praising Christ. The Assumption Church in Lalitpur is also decorated with lighting, and a Christmas tree is set in the courtyard, becoming the center of attraction for visitors. Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, features diverse traditions around the world. These traditions share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens. Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it is recently observed as a national festival. People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

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