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Published: January 30th 2008
So Varanasi has a completely different feel to the other places we have visited in India so far. It is very religious, spiritual and more tranquil place than the hustle and bustle of Rajastan. It is still very busy but we haven't been hassled even quarter as much as in the other more 'touristy' places in Northern India. Varanasi is a pilgramage town for Hindus - they travel from all around india to see the Ganges - and it is most Hindis dying wish to be cremated here at the Burning Ghat on the banks of the Varanasi.
We walked through a bustling bazaar yesterday in search of blankets for our sleeper train travel tonight. It was much more pleasant than walking through a bazaar in Delhi - less hassle. One thing you have to get used to though is all the 'funeral' processions that go past you. This is a bit strange at first - about 6 guys carrying a bamboo plinth with a body all wrapped up in yellowy gold fabric decorated with the traditional garland flowers they use here for celebrations and for luck. It is a contrast to the way we hold funeral processions at home
- sombre black hurses driving slowly down the streets followed by black cars of solumn mourners. Here they don't condone grief in the way we show it - no tears - no sadness - they think it brings bad Karma to the souls of the dead. Anyway enough on that!
Every night in Varanasi they put a show on on the main Ghat - about 7 men adorned in brightly coloured garments standing on platforms chanting and waving candles over out to the Ganges. we have some pictures of this - very fascinating to see.
We did get a chance to do our boat trip across the ganges in the end - it was lovely - very peaceful,and it allowed us to look at the town from a distance - we spotted a snake charmer as well - glad I was safely away from that one! The mist added to the atmosphere - really please we got to do it.
Tonight we board our second sleeper train to Calcutta - our last stop in India
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clairey
non-member comment
adventures.....
sounds like you two are having a great time, love reading what u have been up to....just be careful, the card story was not very comforting!! I cant wait to see your pictures....are you on the internet in your hostels?? Take care, have fun. Love Claire and Darren xxxxxxxxxxxxx