KATHMANDU — Meanwhile, parents anxiously await at home with hoses: Children play in the mud in a paddy field during Asar Pandra, the annual paddy planting festival, in Nepal, Monday, June 29, 2026.
Also called Dhan Diwas, the festival kicks off the planting season for rice, Nepal’s most important crop. Traditional rituals center around prayers for an abundant harvest.
The festival brings people together through traditional foods, music and dance.
INDIA — The sprawling, ever-expanding root system of the banyan tree symbolizes eternal life, resilience and the cycle of rebirth: A married Hindu woman performs rituals around a banyan tree for the longevity of her husband during the Vat Savitri festival in Ahmedabad on Monday.
A species of fig, the banyan tree is indigenous to India and Southeast Asia. Its growth structure symbolizes longevity and connectedness in the region.
The banyan’s aerial roots grow downward from branches and form new trunks, allowing the tree to spread over large areas and become an important part of the ecosystem.
LONDON — Strong start towards the championship: Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball to Elsa Jacquemot of France in their first-round women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Monday.
Osaka won 6-1, 7-5. Advancing to the second round, Osaka will play Anastasia Gasanova from Saratov, Russia.
LONDON — When sports fandom inspires fashion: A tennis supporter cheers during the first day of Wimbledon, Monday.
Top-seeded Italian player Jannik Sinner prevailed in a grueling five-set, first-round match against Serbian player Miomir Kecmanovic, 4–6, 6–3, 6–7 (6–7), 6–2, 6–3.
Women’s singles will feature Serena Williams, making her dramatic return at age 44 as a wild card entry.
GERMANY — Europe’s record-breaking heat wave has many consequences: An Icelandic foal that was born early due to the heat three days ago runs next to his mother at a stud farm in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, Monday.
Premature foals, born with less than 320 days or roughly 10-11 months, need immediate veterinary care as they are susceptible to many severe developmental problems, ranging from immature lungs to incomplete bone ossification, weak muscles, inability to regulate temperature and compromised immune systems.
HOUSTON — Fan attempts to “be the ball”: A Japanese fan waits for the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan, Monday.
Brazil defeated Japan 2–1 to advance to the Round of 16 on July 5.
LOS ANGELES — Hit after hit single, it’s time for a collab album: SZA, left, and Doechii accept the BET Her award for “girl, get up” during the BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater.
The BET Her Awards honor songs about empowering and centering women.
Lauryn Hill was also honored with the Living Legend Icon Award.
HOUSTON — Fan embodies Brazil: A Brazil fan poses before Brazil and Japan’s World Cup match, Monday.
Japan led after the 29th minute until Casemiro tied the match in the 56th minute. Gabriel Martinelli scored for Brazil in the final minute of stoppage time, securing the win.
