Temple Festival Torches Approach Gopuram Gate Dawn

Deep shadows cloak the shrine entrance in Hubei as early autumn light barely touches the sky. A procession of torches creates a jagged line of orange flame against the heavy overcast, their flames flickering in the cool air. Drummers move forward along a stone path, their dark silhouettes framed by the towering gopuram gate. Rim light catches the edges of the wooden drum skins and the rough texture of the stone pillars. The heavy clouds diffuse the weak morning glow, leaving the scene in a state of quiet anticipation. The orange glow of the torches reflects faintly on the wet, dark stone at the base of the steps.