A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness. The annual Torgya Festival in Tawang, in north-eastern India, is full of colourful dancing, music and theatre. The three day festival is held in the courtyard of the Tawang monastery, which is nestled on top of the hill overlooking the town. The vibrant event was attended by Australian photographers Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak.
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
FULL OF STUNNING colours and swirling shapes, the furrows on these fields create a mix of mesmerising patterns .
