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Sunday, 06 September 2009 00:00 |
"Varanassi - Culture And Death On The Ganga"
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Sprawled along a bend on the river, Varanasi - one of the world's oldest inhabitted cities, for Hindus is the place to die. Since Lord Shiva walked down from Mt Kailash, the Ganges has been the most holy of rivers.
Mogul Kings to more recent Maharajas, all built their palaces overlooking the Ganga. Lamila, Munshi, ManMandir and Chausatti, each had its steps or ghats down to the water.
To the left and right along the river, where last rites are read, the Brahmin lights the fire and loved ones turn to ash. The burning ghats work all day and all night, living and dying a never ending cycle.
Behind the ghats lies a maze of narrow passages and lanes, lined with shops of every nature. Tailors and sweet shops, biri makers and samosa snack shops. Tiny and ancient and all crammed together.
And back to my guest house for peace and calm, overlooking the Ganga, my very own palace. |
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