Tibetan Monks Blowing Long Horns After Rain in Chandigarh

Wet cobblestones reflect the soft, diffused light of an overcast afternoon in late autumn. A wide group of monks in deep maroon and saffron robes stands in a loose semi-circle near a modern Chandigarh plaza. Their breath plumes visibly in the cool, damp air as they lift long, curved copper horns toward the gray sky. Raindrops rest on the fabric of their heavy woolen cloaks and bead along the polished brass mouthpieces. Behind them, the angular concrete geometry of the city contrasts with the organic curves of the ceremony. Water drips from the eaves of a nearby structure, falling in steady rhythm onto the slick pavement where small puddles form around their black leather shoes. The copper instruments gleam with a dull, wet sheen against the muted stone.