Esther's photos with the keyword: EarthAsia

Purifying on the Ganges

10 Dec 2010 159
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_9856

The Cremation Ghats

10 Dec 2010 186
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. The cremation ghats are very busy with multiple cremations ongoing day and night. Cattle and goats wander unmolested through the smokey haze and eat the sweets placed around the deceased. AIMG_9886

Boy with a pot

20 Jun 2010 177
Village near Ranthambore AIMG_5615