Imagine a place so sacred that even the water serves as a means for washing clothes, swimming, and performing religious rituals – and, as eerie as it may sound, it’s also the site where bodies are cremated by the water’s edge.
Welcome to Varanasi, also known as Benares – the spiritual capital of India.
This ancient city, one of the oldest continually inhabited in the world, dates back to the 11th century B.C. For many Hindus and Jains, it is a city of pilgrimage, with its vibrant colours acting as a magnet for spiritual seekers, documentary makers, and travellers alike.
It’s a place that doesn’t shy away from visitors and is, at times, uncomfortably candid.
Of all the places in India, this one is sure to be the most unforgettable – an undeniable confrontation with the harsh realities of life and death.
The Ganges River, one of the most renowned rivers in the world, is the lifeblood of Varanasi.
Stretching over several kilometres, its ghats (embankments with concrete steps) host pilgrims performing rituals, with many used for ablutions. Several ghats, however, are dedicated to cremations.
In Varanasi, around 300 bodies are cremated every day. While not an everyday sight, this is simply part of life in the city.
Loved ones cover the deceased’s body, carry it to a cremation ghat, and then burn it for up to three hours using mango wood or sandalwood.
The ashes are typically swept into the river. It’s no wonder Varanasi is considered a deeply spiritual city.
One tourist left a review on TripAdvisor, sharing that watching several bodies being cremated was a “surreal experience.”
They also noted that while the city is picturesque and spiritually significant, it’s often marred by litter, which detracts from its sacred atmosphere.
Another unforgettable experience in Varanasi is witnessing the sunrise over the Ganges River.
At 5 a.m., many locals participate in prayers or “Pujas” along the river’s edge, offering an immersive glimpse into the culture and spirituality of the city.
You can join in by taking a boat ride and purchasing small floating dishes with candles, making a wish, and sending them down the river.
The sight of these candles drifting along is both beautiful and symbolic, providing a strong sense of connection to the city. At this hour, the city never sleeps, with both locals and visitors joining in prayer, or simply enjoying the moment.
It’s a perfect setting for people-watching.
With nearly 3,000 visitors arriving every year, the highlight for many is the sunrise cruise along the Ganges River.
