Esther's photos

Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is viewed as the holiest place in the world by Hindus who believe that it was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Although the Ganges is extremely polluted, people believe that it will physically and spiritually cleanse them. Laundry and bathing can be seen continally along the Ganges at Varanasi. AIMG_9854

Doing laundry in the Ganges in Varasani. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is viewed as the holiest place in the world by Hindus who believe that it was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Although the Ganges is extremely polluted, people believe that it will physically and spiritually cleanse them. Laundry and bathing can be seen continally along the Ganges at Varanasi. AIMG_9835

A mother goat and her young kid rest on one of the ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is viewed as the holiest place in the world by Hindus who believe that it was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. AIMG_9820

Carrying wood for the cremation ghats at Varasani. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is viewed as the holiest place in the world by Hindus who believe that it was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. AIMG_9818

Winter mornings in Varasani can get chilly and people would dress their dogs and goats in old sweaters to keep them warm Very odd. AIMG_9816

All manners of vehicles travel the roads in Varasani, India AIMG_9809

Animal powered vehicles were still popular in Varasani, India AIMG_9811

Varasani, India AIMG_9814

School is not mandatory in Varasani, India and parents often bring their children with them while they work. AIMG_9806