Varanasi / Pilgrims risk disease to cleanse themselves

This image was taken on the banks of the holy river Ganges in Varanasi.

Everyday thousands of Pilgrims from all over India and the world come here to take a dip and hopefully cleanse themselves of their sins.

In doing this, Hindus and tourists are exposing themselves to a cocktail of viruses and diseases that could ultimately end their life.

"We come here to die" an young Hindu tells me. As he dips his 6 month old baby in the dirty water. I have always been sceptical of religious culture and belief, but never more so in Varanasi.

(A young Hindu takes a giant leap of faith)

Perhaps a bath in Ganges at Varanasi is the icing on the cake, the final straw, the poisoned arrow. Perhaps it is something my westernised brain will never be able to understand.

(Everynight Hindus gather to show their respect for the dead)

Every night the thousands gather for a Ceremonial dedicated to the dead. It is a spectable partly ruined by flash photography and iphones and disrespctful tourism (this includes Indian tourists).

I found nothing Holy about Varanasi at all, like a combination of Las Vegas and Jerusalem, but very fascinating and worth a visit. A city like Varanasi requires a cool head and a bit of common sense.

M Angus
Travel Writer/ Photographer/ Cinematographer