"observers"

#13230860

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230861

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230862

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230863

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230869

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230871

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230873

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230864

23 January 2026

Nepali Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki (center) attends the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230865

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel (in grey coat) arrives to attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230866

23 January 2026

Nepali Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki (center) arrives to attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230867

23 January 2026

Nepali Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki (center) arrives to attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230868

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, and Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state and the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230870

23 January 2026

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, and Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state and the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13230872

23 January 2026

Nepali Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav (right) and Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki (center) attend the ritualistic Basanta Shrawan at the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 23, 2026. The annual ritual is attended by the head of the state as well as the executive head of the Himalayan nation, where the chief priest of Hanumandhoka offers the Abhishek, Tika, Garland, and Flowers. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel worships Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, while a contingent of the Nepali Army presents a ceremonial salute. The event is attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other distinguished guests. Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13220448

20 January 2026

An elderly Iranian man sits at a cafe in downtown Tehran, Iran, on January 20, 2026, following recent unrest in Iran.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.