The River Ganges

Varanasi is one of the most sacred cities in India. When you go there you can actually see millions of people doing what their religions tell them to do. But the most beautiful image you can come across in this city is on the bank of the River Ganges. There two daily rituals that I witnessed while in Varanasi. The putting to sleep and the waking up of the River Ganges. The putting to sleep includes singing by Brahmins  and playing of bells and other instruments. It is believed that this river should be put to sleep each night and woken up the next. This river is very sacred to the Hindus, its water is very precious. The funny side to this is that scientists have discovered it actually has something that constantly keeps the water clean. The river takes a sharp u-turn in Varanasi and that is why these rituals are held in this area. It is also believed that Shiva came down to earth in a fireball in Varanasi. It is every Hindu priest's dream to come to Ganges and wash in its water. That is why every morning you see people wash in its water as the river is being woken up by the Brahmins. During this ritual, the cremation of dead bodies of people that have died during the night takes place. It is quite the thing to see if you are willing to wake up at 5.30 in the morning and getting on a boat to see it.

A woman wishing

The River Ganges flows all the way through India. It is sacred to the Hindus for many reasons. I hopethese pictures will be enough for you to see how much Hindus actually care about this river.

Tourist watching the night ritual

A Brahmin 

Another Brahmin

And more Brahmins at night

Waking up the Ganges

The Cold Light of Morning on Ganges

Cremation