Esther's photos with the keyword: Banaras

Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is considered to be the 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_9718

A view of a Ghat before the aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual, in which lights from candles soaked in ghee (purified butter) are offered to the deities. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is considered to be the 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_9730

A young boy, seeing tourists inside a building in Varanasi, India, proudly waves the national flag. AIMG_9956

A pedal powered schoolbus in Varanasi, India AIMG_9942

A young boy plays with a can of water from the Ganges. 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_9931

At twilight, the boats stand ready to be hired to take tourists and pilgrims out on the Ganges. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is considered to be the 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_9728

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

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

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

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_9910

The passenger's position looks ver precarious in Varanasi, India AIMG_9948

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

People are very resourceful in Varanasi, India AIMG_9945

Th ghats along 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. What is amazing is that the shot is empty of people despite the masses that live and visit here. AIMG_9845

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_9844

Many of the beautiful Indian fabrice are woven in small shops or homes, such as this one in Varanasi, India. The pattern for the fabric is in the chart on the left. AIMG_9965

A man and a goat nap mid-morning while sacred cows look for a meal on the ghats of 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. 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_9916

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_9926