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Kashmiri Muslims hold lit torches outside the cave shrine of Sakhi Zain-ud-din Wali, a Sufi saint, during an annual torch festival in Aishmuqam, 75 km (47 miles) south of Srinagar. Thousands of Muslim villagers in Indian-administered Kashmir gathered at a 15th-century Sufi saint's hilltop shrine for the annual torch festival, also known as the Zool Festival. Devotees lit wooden torches to honour the revered saint, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the paddy sowing season. Many believe this traditional torch festival commemorates the saint's victory over a demon that once terrorized local villagers. Flames illuminated the forested hillside as people paid obeisance at the mausoleum and took part in festivities that included traditional folk singing and musical performances.Kashmiri Muslims hold lit torches outside the cave shrine of Sakhi Zain-ud-din Wali, a Sufi saint, during an annual torch festival in Aishmuqam, 75 km (47 miles) south of Srinagar. Thousands of Muslim villagers in Indian-administered Kashmir gathered at a 15th-century Sufi saint's hilltop shrine for the annual torch festival, also known as the Zool Festival. Devotees lit wooden torches to honour the revered saint, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the paddy sowing season. Many believe this traditional torch festival commemorates the saint's victory over a demon that once terrorized local villagers. Flames illuminated the forested hillside as people paid obeisance at the mausoleum and took part in festivities that included traditional folk singing and musical performances.

Annual Torch Festival In Kashmir, India

Members of the brotherhood carry the Christ figure, and behind it, the image of Our Lady of the Angels is carried on their shoulders as the procession leaves the church during the transfer of the image of Christ of the Halberdiers to the Royal Palace, for preparations for the procession that will take place through the streets of Madrid next Good Friday. Organized by the Congregation of the Holy Christ of Faith, Christ of the Halberdiers and Mary Immaculate Queen of the Angels.Members of the brotherhood carry the Christ figure, and behind it, the image of Our Lady of the Angels is carried on their shoulders as the procession leaves the church during the transfer of the image of Christ of the Halberdiers to the Royal Palace, for preparations for the procession that will take place through the streets of Madrid next Good Friday. Organized by the Congregation of the Holy Christ of Faith, Christ of the Halberdiers and Mary Immaculate Queen of the Angels.

Christ of the Halberdiers in Madrid

Organized by the Congregation of the Holy Christ of Faith, Christ of the Halberdiers and Mary Immaculate Queen of the Angels.

A protester holds a placard saying ‘Qesser You Make Us Proud’ as a police officer tries to hold a conversation. Protesters gathered outside Hatfield police station following the arrest of former Filton 24 prisoner and hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah. Counter terrorism police arrested her at her home for a social media post. Zuhrah was released from prison a month ago after spending 15 months on remand after being accused of breaking in and damaging weaponry at Elbit Systems Filton facilities in Bristol in August 2024.A protester holds a placard saying ‘Qesser You Make Us Proud’ as a police officer tries to hold a conversation. Protesters gathered outside Hatfield police station following the arrest of former Filton 24 prisoner and hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah. Counter terrorism police arrested her at her home for a social media post. Zuhrah was released from prison a month ago after spending 15 months on remand after being accused of breaking in and damaging weaponry at Elbit Systems Filton facilities in Bristol in August 2024.

Protest At Hatfield Police Station After Filton 24 Activist Qesser Zurah Arrest

Protesters gathered outside Hatfield police station following the arrest of former Filton 24 prisoner and hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah. Counter terrorism police arrested her at her home for a social media post. Zuhrah was released from prison a month ago after spending 15 months on remand after being accused of breaking in and damaging weaponry at Elbit Systems Filton facilities in Bristol in August 2024.

Bullfighter Cristian Pérez during the bullfight with bulls from the Dolores Aguirre ranch at the Plaza de las Ventas in Madrid, March 29, 2026, Spain.Bullfighter Cristian Pérez during the bullfight with bulls from the Dolores Aguirre ranch at the Plaza de las Ventas in Madrid, March 29, 2026, Spain.

bullfight Plaza de las Ventas in Madrid

Volunteers seen handing out food supply to refugees in the Idomeni camp. - Over 10,000 refugees are still stuck in the Idomeni refugee camp at the border between Greece and Macadonia. Many had been staying in the camp for over a month as they hope that the border will be reopening again for them cross into western Europe.Volunteers seen handing out food supply to refugees in the Idomeni camp. - Over 10,000 refugees are still stuck in the Idomeni refugee camp at the border between Greece and Macadonia. Many had been staying in the camp for over a month as they hope that the border will be reopening again for them cross into western Europe.

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SOPA Images Story of the month

A devotee is seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee is seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee is seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen laying down in the street as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen receiving a cut at their back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee seen receiving a cut at their back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen receiving a cut at their back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee seen receiving a cut at the back using blade as part of self-flagellation on April 3, 2026, as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.

A devotee whip his back using bamboo stick while walking in the street as part of their self-flagellation on April 3, 2026 , as an act of symbolic participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church maintains that physical sacrifice is unnecessary for the forgiveness of sins, many local flagellants continue the grueling practice as a public display of faith, endurance, and communal identity.