The morning after the Holi festival, Jaisalmer’s streets are washed in sharp sunlight, the golden sandstone glowing against the clear desert sky. The city is quieter now, the echoes of celebration replaced by the steady rhythms of daily life. On a cracked stone path, a cow stands in the half-shadow, its horns and gentle features illuminated by the harsh light.

Cows like this one are a constant presence in Jaisalmer, moving freely through the narrow lanes, pausing in doorways or resting in the shade. Locals pass by, some offering a gentle pat or a handful of feed, honoring the animal’s place in the city’s traditions. The grainy black-and-white texture of the scene emphasizes the timelessness of this relationship—where animal and city are deeply intertwined, and where the spirit of Jaisalmer endures in the quiet moments after the festivities have faded.