INDIA | Sunday, 23 November 2014 | Views [344] | View Larger Image
In Hindu traditions, cremation is one of the rites of passage and the Ghats of Varanasi are considered one of the auspicious locations for this ritual. This is one of the cremation ghats which reflects the fact that death is the destination we all share.About an average of 80 bodies per day are cremated on various Varanasi Ghats; This practice has become controversial for the pollution it causes to the river. In many cases, the cremation is done elsewhere and only the ashes are dispersed into the river near these Ghats.
Tags: 2014 travel photography scholarship