SMART TRAVELLER SNAPSHOT

Ishdorj Battsetseg, Mongolia A monk at the Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Selenge Province, Ishdorj is one of the performers of the sacred Tsam Mask Dance, or Dance of the Gods. Introduced to Mongolia via Tibet in the 8th century, it’s a ritualistic Buddhist performance that sees dancers embody wrathful tantric deities through movement, allegedly dispelling negative energy in the process. This shot was taken moments before the monk — adorned with symbolic ornaments — joined the annual performance,...