Monks Blowing Long Horns at Melbourne Losar Ceremony

Thick mist rests on the low ground near Melbourne while bright noon light flattens the sky into a uniform white glare. Several figures in deep maroon and saffron robes stand in a loose circle on damp grass, their dark hair tucked under simple caps. Each monk holds a long, straight horn made of pale horn or metal, raised high toward the gray fog. The instruments extend well above their heads, catching the diffuse light with a dull sheen. Behind them, autumn leaves in shades of russet and gold cover the ground, against the gray mist. A low angle view emphasizes the height of the horns against the overcast sky, while the texture of the wet grass is visible in the immediate foreground. at the edge is the condensation clinging to the rim of the nearest horn.