We've spent the last day getting to know Varanasi, the holiest town for the Hindu people because it is home to a very holy temple and the Ganges River. Last night we did a walking tour all along the river and the Ghats (different series of steps leading down the river). It is quite amazing, the rivr is used for everything because it is considered "pure." People bathe in it, drink it (ICK), brush their teeth (double ick), throw out trash, wash clothes, cows bathe, kids swim, they fish in it, pray in it. One of the most important things is that in several of the Ghat areas they cremate people (I walked by people actually being cremated on the shore) and then the families spread the ashes in the river. The Hindus believe that if your ashes are spread in the Ganges then you will be taken out of the reincarnation cycle, which is a good thing. However, there are 5 types of people that cannot be buried there because they are not ready to "die" yet: these are holy men, pregnant women, children, people bitten by cobras, and people with lepracy.
Last night we went to awesome prayer ceremony, pictures to come. Its hard to describe but there is a family of men that stand on these platforms and basically make all these offerings to the river.
This morning we did a sunrise boat ride and watched all of the morning rituals. Mostly people bathing and doing laundry and praying. A great experience and you feel part of their world for a minute, although they probably look at us tourists wondering why we are so fascinated by them brushing their teeth. The amazing thing is that no one ever gets sick, my leader says its because "they believe the river is pure" and apparently scientists have studied it.
We also went to a Bollywood film today, not the typical one, more drama but still interesting watching an entire movie in Hindi (Kel - a must do for Mumbai). After some more walking around the market and an attempt at visiting a temple (hindu's only) we made it back for a short rest before we head out to a prayer ceremony tonight.
A big highlight of this town is the amazing dinner last night that included pizza...yuuum. A much needed break from Indian food before I head to the village where I'm sure that's all I will have. You don't realize how much variety we have in the US until its gone!
Last night we went to awesome prayer ceremony, pictures to come. Its hard to describe but there is a family of men that stand on these platforms and basically make all these offerings to the river.
This morning we did a sunrise boat ride and watched all of the morning rituals. Mostly people bathing and doing laundry and praying. A great experience and you feel part of their world for a minute, although they probably look at us tourists wondering why we are so fascinated by them brushing their teeth. The amazing thing is that no one ever gets sick, my leader says its because "they believe the river is pure" and apparently scientists have studied it.
We also went to a Bollywood film today, not the typical one, more drama but still interesting watching an entire movie in Hindi (Kel - a must do for Mumbai). After some more walking around the market and an attempt at visiting a temple (hindu's only) we made it back for a short rest before we head out to a prayer ceremony tonight.
A big highlight of this town is the amazing dinner last night that included pizza...yuuum. A much needed break from Indian food before I head to the village where I'm sure that's all I will have. You don't realize how much variety we have in the US until its gone!
1 comment:
sarah,
i thought getting used to suburbs was culture shock, but hearing of your adventures is a whole different level! i am so glad you have access to a computer to share all of your experiences. i am a faithful reader of the adventures of sarah in india! i hope the next part of your time in india is as interesting and enjoyable as the travel has been. i am sure you continue to learn a little more everyday about india and about yourself. enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. much love, mandy (and ben too!)
Post a Comment