Friday, March 1, 2013

S2L77: Varanasi and the Ganges

Varanasi, India
March 2-3, 1977

A long drive arriving in Benares [Varanasi] at night, traveling through many villages lacking any electricity. Up at dawn for a tour of the Ganges River.
Source: Personal travel notes.
From 1977 03 02 India

"The city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the city of lights", and "the oldest living city on earth." That's Varanasi (formerly, Benares). The river running through it is the Ganges, India's longest river and Hindus' most sacred river. A boat ride on the river at sunrise reveals Hindus bathing in its waters, performing ritualistic purifications, and cremating their dead on funeral pyres on the river's banks.

More photos after the jump.



From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

From 1977 03 02 India

One of a continuing series.
Start: Around the World in 800 Days
Previous: The Plains of India
Next: Holi, Festival of Colors

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