Young Jhankri Shaman

"A young shaman at Gosaikunda Lake's Shiva temple".

I shot this image at the culmination of a full moon, 2 day pilgrimage to Gosaikunda Lake, 14370 feet up in the Nepali Himalaya.

Both Gosaikunda Lake and the August full moon are revered by Hindus and local Shamans alike so there is plenty to see at this time of the year. Hindus come to the Lake to bathe away their sins on the date of Janai Purnima, the day they traditionally change the sacred thread (Janai) that is worn around the neck or hand all year. The local Tamang shamans on the other hand come here to dance, bang dhyangro drums and perform sacred rituals around the lake.