Photographer Captures Mesmerizing Scenes From Hindu Rituals

Iranian-born photographer Abbas has been capturing culture and religion around the world for nearly half a century. In his latest body of work, the photographer takes viewers into the mystical world of Hinduism with stunning effect.

“Gods I’ve Seen,” published in September by Phaidon, was shot over the course of three years in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bali. The photos feature intimate moments of ritual and religious practice, offering a window into the lives of Hindus throughout these countries.

Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, with more than 1 billion adherents around the globe, according to Pew Research Center. Often considered to be more of a family of religious traditions rather than one discrete faith, Hinduism traces its roots back more than 4,000 years.

From elephant blessings to goddess worship, Abbas captured a number of contemporary Hindu traditions with ancient roots. Scroll down to see a sampling from “Gods I’ve Seen”: