Varanasi, India: Colorful Clothing, Candlelights and Cute kids

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These blogs are going to be out of order, but while I was traveling in India the internet was so unreliable, I couldn't do much blogging.

After my travel writing/photography group returned to Delhi at the end of the workshop, I went with two companions, to Varanasi to partake of the Dev Deepawali Candle Light festival. This is held on the full moon night of November with much preparation and celebration the two days before the full moon. Hindu legend holds that on this night, this year the 25th of November, the gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges, Ma Ganga, the mother goddess. The steps of all the ghats (the banks of the river) on the riverfront of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Rajghat, are lit with more than a million earthen lamps diyas in honor of Ma Ganga. All along the river are ceremonies and prayers being led by Hindu priests. There are countless people on the ghats strolling from one end of the riverfront to the other, and nearly as many in boats on the river. Pilgrims from all over India and the world come to witness the spectacle and partake of the prayers and blessings. With the million of little oil lamps, cremation fires going 24/7 at most of the ghats, and the colorful Indian clothing it was a feast for the eyes and camera.

My friends and I were lucky enough to book "guest house" rooms on the internet from Dehli, right on the river with a balcony overlooking the river. It was simple digs for a low price and although meals were extra the food was great and downright cheap. Plus our room came with boat ride reservations the night of the 24th, the morning of the 25th and the night of 25th. I hope the photos below give you a taste of our experience.

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Photos

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Full moon, Nov 25th.

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Dev deepawali festival.

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Fireworks on the river.

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Some of millions of little lamps.

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These "stilts" have baskets attached in which the people place a candle.

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Ceremony

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"Party boat" with pilgrims.

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Steps with lamps.

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Cute and cuter sisters.

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The boys try to get up this steep incline without falling, then slide back down upright on their feet.

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Some of my fan club members, who wanted their photo with the hot white chick.

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Wild abandoned dancing, sans the girls.