Varanasi

What an incredible experience in Varanasi. We got in late afternoon so we were able to do our evening on the river. The drive through the town was very chaotic and the dirtiest we have seen yet. Many people come here to die or to bathe,drink the water from the Ganges. The Hindus believe if you are cremated here you will achieve nirvana. We had to take a rickshaw down to the river. Talk about an experience.


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These driver are such hard workers. It was hard for a small guy to pedal two of us. They own their rickshaw and we saw many of them sleeping out in courtyards in the early morning.
When we got to the river it was masses of people. Pilgrims, Hindus waiting for a prayer ceremony, beggars and cows. You had to watch your step because there was cow dung all over the place.
We too


We took a boat to the cremation site. there were many fires burning on the three floors of the area. They say it take 3 hours for a body to burn completely. You can tell if it is a woman if there are saris hanging near the site. The oldest boy of the family is responsible for overseeing. Women are usually not present.



it was really an amazing sight. Arvind says they are very accepting of death as it is the process. The whole Hindu philosophy is a great way to live. heart not mind....

We then went to a prayer ceremony that they have every night. Seven priest stood on platforms and chanted prayers while doing Tai ci like movement in unison. it was really beautiful. This whole evening will be forever etched in mind.