Varanasi - Alleys, ghats, sadhus, and Ganga puja

 


Varanasi, also called Banaras, is a fascinating yet tranquil city, ideal for a longer relaxing stay. It's crowded on the main streets and main ghats, but along the river there are places to find peace and quiet. The people of Varanasi is an amazing mix, made up of all sorts of pilgrims and religious characters; ordinary locals such as street vendors, barbers, boat men and ship builders; as well as Indian and foreign tourists. There are plenty of tourist amenities in the little alleys that run parallel to the Ganges, but not too many to negatively affect the area's Indian character. The nightly Ganga puja, the "Ganges ceremony", is a busy event, but if you prefer you can chill just a few steps away. 

The alleys.















A long walk along the ghats, starting from the south.






















One of the cremation ghats.











Continuing the walk along the ghats.





































The main Dashashwamedh Ghat (where the Ganga puja is held in the evening).











Continuing along the ghats.












Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat.










Continuing the walk along the ghats. 


















At the end of my walk along the Ganges, I found an old mosque overlooking the river. 







Returning to my neighbourhood via the alleys.






















A new, plaza style complex of temples, shops and eateries.





The Nepali temple.












Views of the ghats from the Napali temple.





Returning to the alleys.




Around the Dashashwamedh Ghat.








The Ganga puja at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
















Quiet ghats a few steps away.







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