Families from across Arnhem Land come together for the annual celebration of Yolngu culture and we’ve gathered the best photos that represent this festival. From Gumatj men who officially open the Garma festival in north-east Arnhem Land, moving towards the bunggul (ceremonial dancing) ground to light the gurtha (a sacred fire) to Yolngu elders who run workshops at the Garma festival where visitors can learn different aspects of the local culture, these pictures will amaze you.
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Gumatj men officially open the Garma festival in north-east Arnhem Land, moving towards the bunggul (ceremonial dancing) ground to light the gurtha (a sacred fire). The festival brings together Balanda (non-Indigenous people) and Yolngu for a celebration of Yolngu culture and to discuss Indigenous affairs.
Photograph: Helen Davidson for the Guardian
A man from the Gumatj clan applies traditional paint in preparation for ceremonial dancing.
Photograph: Peter Eve/Yothu Yindi Foundation
A Yolngu girl enjoys adding her own touch to the Garma Youth Forum mural.
Photograph: Teagan Glenane/Yothu Yindi Foundation
Members of the Gumatj clan perform ceremonial dancing.
Photograph: Melanie Faith Dove/Yothu Yindi Foundation
The Garma festival started as a small gathering for the communities of north-east Arnhem Land, and while it has grown in size in recent years, at its heart it remains a celebration of Yolngu cultural traditions and a meeting point for local families.
Photograph: Teagan Glenane/Yothu Yindi Foundation
A child from Groote Eylandt joins in the ceremonial dances at the bunggul ground.
Photograph: Helen Davidson for the Guardian
Applying traditional paint in preparation for bunggul.
Photograph: Peter Eve/Yothu Yindi Foundation
A young boy is guided by his relatives as he prepared to take part in bunggul.
Photograph: Melanie Faith Dove/Yothu Yindi Foundation
Yolngu elders run workshops at the Garma festival where visitors can learn different aspects of the local culture, including basket-weaving, spear-making and instruction in the Yolngu Matha language.
Photograph: Teagan Glenane/Yothu Yindi Foundation