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Colours and ashes - Devotees celebrate Masaan Holi festival at Varanasi cremation grounds

Colours and ashes - Devotees celebrate Masaan Holi festival at Varanasi cremation grounds

"Funeral pyres burned at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on Saturday as hundreds of devotees gathered for Masaan Holi, a festival held at the city's cremation grounds. Footage shows people dancing and playing drums and other instruments, with many smeared in ash from the pyres - a ritual that symbolises the cycle of life and death. "Everyone is getting goosebumps. The kids are so small. They are playing so well. They don't need a DJ or anything. They are playing so well. Like Shiva, they are performing with dhol and instruments," one of the devotees commented. As the festival culmination neared, the idol of Baba Kashi Vishwanath, a form of Shiva, was brought in a palanquin adorned with colourful garlands to the delight of the devotees. "People are very excited. As you can see, people are enjoying themselves. They are laughing, dancing and singing," said another participant. "It is a big festival for the whole country." Masaan Holi is a spiritual festival celebrated in Varanasi's cremation grounds, which involves ash instead of traditional colourful powder as a symbol of the life and death cycle."

Nahuel Gallo returns to Buenos Aires under heavy security after 448 days in Venezuelan prison

Nahuel Gallo returns to Buenos Aires under heavy security after 448 days in Venezuelan prison

"Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday under heavy security, after spending 448 days in Venezuelan prison. After his arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, Gallo was met with a strong police and security operation to ensure his protection and maintain order. Gallo was arrested in December 2024 while allegedly attempting to visit his partner and his son in Venezuela, spending more than 14 months at the El Rodeo I maximum-security prison. His release was confirmed on Sunday, when his partner, Maraa Alexandra Gomez, posted on social media that Gallo was already on a flight home to Argentina. ‘ The journey back involved a specially arranged flight, reportedly coordinated with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and included a technical stop in Ecuador before continuing toward Buenos Aires."

Splash of tradition – Philippines' Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival rides waves of heritage

Splash of tradition – Philippines' Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival rides waves of heritage

"The sea breeze brought the vibrant colours and enduring spirit of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival to the shores of Arevalo in Iloilo City on Sunday, as sailors arrived for the race steeped in heritage. Under the theme ‘Sailing Forward, Guided by Tradition,’ the event drew approximately 6,350 spectators to Villa Beach to witness Asia’s oldest traditional craft sailing competition. “If you’re into sail racing, you will enjoy the adrenaline as I do,” participant Demitilio Sr shared. “It’s fun, and I always look forward to joining this event.” This year, the regatta featured dozens of paraws - native Visayan double-outrigger sailboats - defying the coastal winds. They are floating masterpieces, their large sails transformed through the Pinta Layag competition, where artists adorned the fabric with sweeping murals of traditional motifs and fantastical creatures, infused with bursts of modern creativity. As the flotilla caught the wind, the strait became a kaleidoscope of colour - a powerful spectacle of speed, skill, and artistry. The race, comprising both ‘painted’ and ‘unpainted’ categories, spanned a challenging 30-kilometre course that tested the seamanship of local sailors as they navigated from Villa Beach, up the coast of Panay, towards Guimaras, and back. Among the seasoned participants was Winnie Demitilio Sr., a name synonymous with the regatta’s history. Established in 1973 to preserve the historic value of the paraw - once the primary mode of transportation and fishing for Ilonggos - the Paraw Regatta has continued annually, pausing only during the global COVID pandemic. Today, it symbolises Ilonggo resilience and a vital connection to the region's seafaring roots. “This festival is celebrated yearly, and I enjoy it every time,” said Nihan, a resident of Iloilo. “Many tourists come to experience the culture of the Villa Arevalo festival. We all enjoyed it so much!” The energy on the shores of Arevalo pulsated with life during side events like the Sinamba sa Regatta, a street dance competition weaving the community's history, faith, and festive spirit through choreography."