Last Respects (2)
It is a bit overwhelming to think that cremations along the Ganges have become a major tourist attraction. At the time of my visit, there were about a dozen tourist boats hovering just off shore of the major cremation ghat shown here. Photography is not permitted in this area on shore, but off shore is ok. Go figure. I can't imagine what the grievers feel to be "on stage". However, like all the others, I snapped away at this incredible scene.
The ritual of cremating ones departed along the holy Ganges River takes place 24 hours per day at a few of the Ghats in the holy city of Varanasi.
As I mentioned in the caption to my last image, I actually got temporarily lost from my tour group the evening this image was taken, and found myself standing right in front of one of the burning piles in one of the image (I could feel the heat from the fires as I was within 20 feet of it). It was surreal. Luckily after some quick backtracking I reconnected with my group, who were some distance away.
Last Respects (2)
It is a bit overwhelming to think that cremations along the Ganges have become a major tourist attraction. At the time of my visit, there were about a dozen tourist boats hovering just off shore of the major cremation ghat shown here. Photography is not permitted in this area on shore, but off shore is ok. Go figure. I can't imagine what the grievers feel to be "on stage". However, like all the others, I snapped away at this incredible scene.
The ritual of cremating ones departed along the holy Ganges River takes place 24 hours per day at a few of the Ghats in the holy city of Varanasi.
As I mentioned in the caption to my last image, I actually got temporarily lost from my tour group the evening this image was taken, and found myself standing right in front of one of the burning piles in one of the image (I could feel the heat from the fires as I was within 20 feet of it). It was surreal. Luckily after some quick backtracking I reconnected with my group, who were some distance away.