Varanasi is said to be one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and is regarded as one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. Pilgrims come to the ghats (steps) lining the River Ganges to wash away a lifetime of since in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones. It’s a particularly auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Because of this, many people who are older or sick will come live in Varanasi so that they can be cremated here.
We took the overnight train from Jhansi to Varanasi. This was a the very beginning. Little did we know what we were in for. Many of us were sick (we think it was from the cooking class that night) so there were multiple trips to the bathroom. Luckily, the train bathroom wasn’t too bad. I’d heard many horror stories about the train bathrooms in India so I was glad ours was decent.
Going for a sunset cruise on the Ganges river.
Going for a sunset cruise on the Ganges river.
People being cremated at the Ganges River. We couldn’t take photos past a certain point.
Everyone makes a wish and puts the flowers into the river.
We also did a sunrise cruise on the river. It was great to see all the activity there. People were washing themselves in the river, women were doing laundry, and kids were out playing cricket.
We went on a tour of the silk area. In this neighborhood, people make scarves, sarees, and other textiles.
Another adventure was our trip to the post office. Emma’s friend in Delhi had given us each a statue that is supposed to assist in our quest for a husband. It was a great gesture, but we couldn’t carry the statue around for the rest of our trip so we wanted to post them to our respective homes. It took over two hours to fill out all the paperwork and get the items packed for shipping.
Our farewell dinner with the tour group. Sad day….
1 Comment
Hi JR! I love the train photo!! It looks like your all doing well even though the tummy’s are upset!. These are some very interesting photos. I really like the one with the still boats. It’s like one of those saysings “A picture is worth a thousand words”. No depressing words to say other then I can not believe it is already almost May. I have so enjoyed your life journey and in some ways will be sad that it has to end. You are and always will be one of the most remarkable women I have had the pleasure to know. All my love see you in your next photo! Love Lor