The Keeper of the Lamps. Bodhnath, Nepal 2011.

Head along some of the access roads to the Bodhnath Stupa, particularly on the north-eastern side, and you’ll come across tables full of butter lamps. Traditionally made with clarified yak butter, these lamps represent the illumination of wisdom and help to calm the mind and aid meditation. While on pilgrimage or when visiting temples, Tibetans will typically light a large number of lamps. With a small donation to the custodian, the pilgrim is free to light the lamps. Bodhnath is not the only place to find these but in the Kathmandu area at least, it’s probably where you’ll see the most activity around them. With Losar (Tibetan New Year) fast approaching, the Tibetan areas of Nepal will become frantic with activity and energy as pilgrims descend upon the sacred sites and lighting butter lamps will be one of the rituals undertaken.

The image above was shot at f2.8, 1/80 ISO1000 at 70mm.