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TPOTY 2025: Maharashtra’s spiritual journey won the hearts of the world, Indian photographer got international honour; won the prize by defeating everyone

Samira Vishwas | January 30, 2026 1:24 AM CST

Indian Photographer Dashawatar Gopalkrishna Bade: India has achieved a proud moment on the global travel-photography stage. The prestigious Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) Awards 2025 has announced its winners, and a heart-touching photo from rural Maharashtra has brought international recognition to an Indian photographer. Dashavatar Gopalkrishna Bade won the Single Image title in the Culture, Heritage and Beliefs category, and won praise for his stunning depiction of one of Maharashtra’s most deeply spiritual journeys – the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage.

The annual TPOTY competition, now in its 22nd year, remains one of the world’s most respected travel image showcases, with entries from around the world.

About Travel Photographer of the Year Awards

For more than two decades, the TPOTY Awards have celebrated the best in travel photography, with submissions coming from 157 countries. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, and the 2025 winners come from 56 countries.

Judging is done anonymously, with strict rules applying. Generative AI is restricted, and photographers must provide RAW files (or nearby JPEGs) for final evaluation. With over 20,000 entries for the 2025 edition, a panel of international experts selected the best images across a range of categories. The prizes include a cash prize, imaging software and six photography trips to Sri Lanka.

What is special in the picture that made India win?

Dashavatar Gopalkrishna Bade’s award-winning photograph captures a moment of mass celebration during the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage, an annual foot pilgrimage undertaken by millions of Warkaris. This photo, taken from a low angle, shows two men performing a traditional stick-dance against the backdrop of a vast sky, while a semicircle of fellow pilgrims claps.

“Their clothes are soiled, symbolizing the down-to-earth, devotional spirit of the journey,” Baade said. He described the broad frame as a blend of devotion, energy and cultural richness – qualities that define the thousand-year-old Wari tradition.

Sharing his joy on Instagram, Baade wrote that he felt “overwhelmed” by the recognition and thanked friends, supporters and the TPOTY jury.

Technical details: Nikon Z9 · 35mm · f/5.6 · 1/4s · ISO 800

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