More Scenes from the Ganga in Varanasi

The bathing ghats on the Ganga in Varanasi are on the western bank of the river. The eastern bank is a vast sandy flood plain. When the monsoon rains fill the river this sandy bank is completely flooded. The peak season for visiting Varanasi is from Novermber to June. After June the rainy season turns the Ganga from a gentle river to an unpredictable torrent.

The dawn boat ride is one of the must do's for tourists, especially for Western tourists wanting to take home prize photographs.

I saw many artists looking for inspiration in the morning. As the sun rises the ghats and the buildings on them catch its golden-orange rays and glow in all their majesty.

Wood headed for Manikarnika ghat, one of two cremation ghats in Varanasi. Harischandra ghat is the other cremation ghat.

The Evening Ganga Puja

Every evening starting from 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm, a puja is performed in to honor Lord Shiva and Mother Ganga. This highly choreographed ceremony is accompanied by the ringing many bells, singing of bhajans and chanting of mantras. This mesmerizing ceremony is held on the Dasashwamedha and Raja Ghats. After the puja, devotees light floating candles decorated with flowers (made and sold by local children) and float them on Ganga.

The Colours of a Festival

There are many festivals celebrated on the Ganga very month. Different Hindu communities from different regions of India converge in Varanasi at different times to celebrate their festivals. On Novermber 5, the Uttar Pradesh and Bihari folk in Varanasi celebrate the Chhad festival. It is festival of thanks giving to nature. Pilgrims gather to offer prayers just before sunset. At night there is much celebration and fireworks. Pilgrims gather again to offer their prayers at sunrise next morning.