Photography by Hailey Kieltyka

Taken in Varanasi, India. Stray animals roam wild in this city and were a frequent subject of mine during my time there. Behind the dog, stands a colorful Hindu temple.

Taken in Varanasi, India. This is a photo of Dashashwamedh Ghat, taken from a small boat floating on the Ganges River, one of the main spots for gathering and performing prayer rituals, called Puja. Photo was taken right after sunrise, one of the best times to observe people bathing, praying, and interacting with the Holy Ganges.

Taken in Varanasi, India. Colorful Marigolds garlands are sold and worn for the many holy rituals that occur on the Hindu calendar. Varanasi is one of the Holiest cities for practicing Hindu’s due it’s auspicious location on the Ganges, where Hindu’s believe if you are cremated here, you will have completed a rite of passage.

This photo was taken in Kathmandu, Nepal in Durbar Square. The square was once the Royal Palace with many surrounding temples and is now a famous World Heritage Site. This was taken one month before the earthquake, which devastatingly destroyed many of the beautiful structures.

This photo was taken in Kathmandu, Nepal. A photo of Tibetan Prayer Flags that are attached to the famous Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath. Another World Heritage Site of Nepal, it was built during the course of this country’s deeply entrenched political and religious history.

Photo taken by Hailey Kieltyka on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.