My next stop after Delhi and Agra was Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. I think if I have to use one word to describe this magical place it would be ‘Raw’. And it already started on my way to get there. A long train ride in the non-airconditioned sleeper class; entire families squeezed on my couch, crying babies and an abundance of local foods, yes it was quite the ride.
When I got to Varanasi I was (again) overwhelmed by all the new impressions surrounding me. Compared to this, Delhi was just a warming up. People everywhere, small alleyways and random cars and Riksjas trying to pass you and many cows minding their own business in the middle of the street (and not getting out of the way). This city is situated on the Ganges, the holy river, and therefore draws many Hindus. The Ganges is a lifeline in everyday business and serves many purposes in Varanasi. People come there to swim, wash their clothes, wash away their sins but it also serves as a graveyard (all at the same place!). Varanasi has several burning Ghats where up to 200 Hindu’s are cremated per day in plain sight, giving a first hand encounter with the Hindu religion and its rituals.
For a photographer, Varanasi is an absolute treasure, everywhere you look, something is happening, and it’s impossible to capture it all. I gave it a try and below you will find the result. I hope you enjoy my captures of Varanasi and let me know what you think!
My curious little buddy on the train to Varanasi
The contrasts between messy alleyways and beautifully dressed girls can’t be bigger. What a sight!
For Hindus, the river Ganges is holy, and in Varanasi that shows very clearly
A good way to see the beautiful waterfront of Varanasi is by boat during sunset
When it turns dark, people light fires and let them loose on the river Ganges
Daily life in Varanasi
A typical scene in one of the uncountable alleyways, buzzing with life
Believe it or not, this woman and I had a very friendly encounter
Beautiful smiles all around
Street life
Hi there little buddy
The sunrise over the Ganges gives some spectacular sights
Local kids enjoying a swim
And also the elderly are waking up for their morning prayers
Daily life in Varanasi
Me and my friends were invited by some local kids for a game of Cricket in the alleyway. Obviously we got our (..) kicked
Daily interactions at the barbershop
Peek-a-boo!
Faces of Varanasi
Faces of Varanasi
Again, daily life in Varanasi
A game of Cricket next to the river Ganges. This sport could almost be considered religion as well in India
Washing clothes in the river
The sun is getting ready to set and Varanasi is preparing for its daily ceremony
The river Ganges attracts all kinds of people
The evening ceremony
While street life goes on at night..
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Daniel I love your all pictures