Esther's photos with the keyword: Benares

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 pedal powered schoolbus in Varanasi, India AIMG_9942

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

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

A rowboat with the faithful lighting candles floats down the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. 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_9739

Almost every truck in India is decorated. AIMG_9808

Cremation ghats on the Ganges at Varanasi, India. This was a nightshot without flash taken from a rowboat at a respectful distance so the movement of the boat is apparently. However, I liked the way it came out. 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_9741

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

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

Varasani, India AIMG_9814

Animal powered vehicles were still popular in Varasani, India AIMG_9811

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

People are very resourceful in Varanasi, India AIMG_9945

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

A modern photograph of Varanasi from the Ganges River has a timeless look. 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_9881A

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

Marigold flowers are ready to be strung in Varanasi, India AIMG_9932