Photo of the Day: Varanasi | Wanderlust and Lipstick

In India, there are few places as holy as Varanasi. It’s believed that bathing in the waters of the Ganges removes a lifetime of sins.

I photographed this man in the early morning hours along the ghats (the steps that lead down to the water). I think it’s fair to say that he is a yogi, someone who has devoted himself to his spiritual practice (as opposed to someone who is visiting from another part of India on holiday).

Morning in Varanasi

The early morning hours, which can be pleasantly cool compared to the daytime heat, brings out thousands of worshipers to the ghats. These men and women are taking their morning bath and saying their pujas (prayers).

These men are getting their haircut along the ghats of Varanasi. But it’s not just then then men who get their haircut here. I came across this blog post of these women sacrificing their hair for their spirituality.

I’ll be leading a group of women to India in October and we’ll be visiting Varanasi. I have room for a couple more if you’re interested!

Pop on over to DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday for more travel-related images.

Travel Well!

Beth

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8 comments

Comments

On August 14th, 2009 at 1:17 am, Laurent (designldg) said:

Thank you for your kind comment and for the link to my page.

In addition to your words I would say that men are shaved after the cremation of a close member of their family.
It is a distinctive sign in order to show bareavement, a symbol of mourning.
Nevertheless they keep a little part uncut which allows to show that they are Hindus.

Women shave for other reasons, mostly as a sacrifice and nowadays some do it oftenly for their kids at the time of scholar exams believing that this can help.

Have a nice day.

On August 14th, 2009 at 6:03 am, Tim Marks said:

Beth
The first shot really does a fine job of expressing the spirituality. I also like the haircut image. Nicely done!

On August 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am, Cate said:

This is one place that I need to visit and not just bathe but soak in the river for a lifetime of sins . Lovely shots.

On August 14th, 2009 at 7:53 pm, Dominique said:

First image very striking…funny how the water almost looks pink, too!

On August 14th, 2009 at 8:15 pm, marina villatoro said:

You have the best pictures! I would love to join you in October I don’t think my husband and son would like that too much, though:)

On August 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm, Kymri said:

Nice images. Hey, I’ll be nearby in October, will be in Nepal!

On August 16th, 2009 at 7:23 am, Beth said:

@Laurent – thanks SO much for the explanation about why the man shaves his head but still keeps a bit of hair. That little strand reminded me of Hari Krishnas but I doubted it had anything to do with that religion.

@Cate – I’d be careful how much time you spend in the water

@Kymri – Can’t wait to see your photos from Nepal. It’s been 17 years since I’ve been there and I still miss it!

On October 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm, Maneesh said:

Nice pics. I will be visiting Varanasi on 30th. It will be interesting.

-Maneesh.
AdmirableIndia.com