Impressions of life in Varanasi, India

INDIA | Sunday, 23 November 2014 | Views [345] | View Smaller 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

Varanasi city has nearly 100 ghats(riverfront steps leading to the bank of river).Most of the Ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats,while a few are used exclusively as cremation sites.This is Kedar Ghat which is used as a bathing and puja ceremony ghat.Where one can observe the vibrant elements of human characteristics and their believes on almighty.

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The Ganga which is considered as the most sacred river of india with an ironical fact that it was ranked as the 5th most polluted river in the world in 2007.A river which not only has religious importance but also serves as a lifeline for millions of indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs.The dead Animal carcass floating in the river is like a wound in our heart for the fact that this is the water we drink.

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Impressions of life in Varanasi, India

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