Varanasi (India)

17th May 2011:
The original name is Benares. This city is situated in the State of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the River Ganges. It's one of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest in India. It's considered as a sacred city by Hindus and Buddhists. The Ganges has a big religious importance. Everyday thousands of people purify their soul washing their body in the River. It's also a place where people come to die or cremate their loved ones.
This stay in Varanasi has been one of the most absorbing experiences we had.

Picture taken from the boat. We woke up before sunrise that day to see the people washing in the Ganges. 

Millions of people, young & old, washing every morning at sunrise.

On the boat with Flavia & Fabio, a Brazilian couple that we traveled with from Kolkata to Varanasi. 

It was 48C in Varanasi, from 10.30am to 6.00pm we couldn't go out.

 So cute :-)

Locals were also doing the laundry in the Ganges and put it to dry on the ground.

When the main places were too busy, people were taking the boat to go to the other side of the river to wash. 

The cremation place. Everybody could assist. This ritual was going on 24h/24h. 

Cremation in progress.

In the streets of Varanasi. 

Locals having breakfast.

 Morning shower in the middle of the street. "Normal".

Cow manure. Indians use it (we think) for insulation. The walls were plastered with it.

Hindu kids have make up to protect them against evil.

A red Hindu Temple. 

Silk factory. 

Crazy tuk tuk driver. 

Holy cow. 

A Sadhu: a Hindu holy person

The streets at night were packed. 

Every day at sunset, there was this religious ceremony, with music and dances. Called Puja.