In Vrindavan, during the evening Aarti, many people gather on the steps by the river to experience the divine Aarti of the river Yamuna. Among them, a woman in a white saree lies down in deep prayer on the stairs, her body still and peaceful, as the light of faith shines above.
India is a land of many faiths, many gods, and many ways of praying. From the soft ringing of temple bells to the quiet whispers inside a mosque, from glowing candles in a church to incense smoke rising in Chinese shrines, this is a journey through India’s prayers.
All these photos are taken after the sun goes down. When the world gets quiet, prayer becomes louder. Lights shine on faces, shadows fall behind folded hands, and faith glows in the dark.
This series is not just about religion. It is about the mood, the silence, the devotion, and the beauty of prayers at night. It shows how people across different religions connect with the divine in their own ways but with the same deep heart. No matter the name of the god or the style of the prayer, every photo speaks the unseen power of faith, and the quiet beauty of India at night.
This is how India prays, when the stars are out and the soul is wide awake.
A young Muslim boy into prayers. Two warm lights cast his two shadows on the wall. The scene, set during blue hour, shows a peaceful moment of faith and the magical play of light and shadow.A moment from Sandhi Pujo during Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja. Here a devotee is lost in deep prayer, in front, 108 glowing diyas light up the space with a divine glow. Behind, the majestic idol of Maa Durga stands tall. The flickering flames add warmth, devotion and spiritual energy to the scene.Inside a Chinese temple on Chinese New Year’s Eve, a girl stands quietly in prayer. The air is thick with swirling incense smoke, filling the space with a sense of mystery and peace. Soft light filters through and the moment feels sacred, filled with hope, tradition and the warmth of silent wishes.Moment from Gajan festival in rural West Bengal, a group of Sanyasis takes part in a sacred fire ritual. They play fearlessly with flames as a form of prayer and devotion. This striking moment reflects their deep faith, spiritual strength and the powerful connection between tradition and belief.In a quiet cemetery, a woman lights candles and prays. The warm candlelight gently glows on her face, showing her deep emotions. Behind her, crosses from the graves appear in dark silhouette, standing against the soft backlight. The scene feels peaceful, emotional, and filled with silent remembrance and hope.Surrounded by a crowd, a woman sits on the ground, holding fire in clay pots on her head and in both hands. This powerful ritual, called Dhuno Porano, connects faith and prayer in a single frame. The dancing flames create shapes that feel like whispers from the divine.A woman in a blue saree stands in the River Ganges, holding flowers and fruits as offerings. She prays quietly, surrounded by baskets of ritual items. Green leaves frame the scene. The calm water and her peaceful pose show deep faith and the sacred link between people and the holy river.On a rainy evening during the holy month of Ramadan, a man prays behind a thin plastic sheet. His shadow glows in soft light, while the busy street hums around him. Amid wet roads and rushing lives, faith stands still quiet, glowing, and deeply peaceful in this sacred moment.In the dark, peaceful banks of the Ganges in Kolkata, a woman prays during Chhath Puja. Dressed in red, holding fruits, she stands still as holy water is poured over her. Her calm face shows deep faith. This moment reflects devotion, blessings, and the strong bond between people, tradition, and nature.
Ayanava Sil is based in India and is a dedicated self-taught street and documentary photographer. He is passionate about capturing the beauty and stories… More »
