Cruising the Ganges - An Early Morning Boat Ride In Varanasi

In Varanasi, the quintessential tourist attraction is a morning boat ride on the Ganges River.

The army of tourists (including us) boarded boats at the Dasashwamedh Ghat.

Even a group of Buddhist monks couldn't
pass up the chance to see this Holy
Hindu City from the river's view.

There was still much activity at this popular ghat,
as priests and pilgrims worshiped throughout the night.

 The fleet of boats of varying shapes and sizes launched off in both directions.

The sunrise over the Ganges River is not only beautiful, but also peaceful and relaxing (especially when someone else is rowing).

These ghats (steps) that line the shoreline of the Ganges River are some of the holiest places in Varanasi.  Each ghat is unique in architecture and color.

The Scindia Ghat is so heavy it has partially sunk into the river.

Some of the most common sites are the throngs of people taking their early morning baths in the Ganges River.  The river is sacred to Hindu's, so many make pilgrimages from around the world to soak in the holy water.

Occasionally, some foreigners will also take a dip.

To die in Varanasi is salvation for a Hindu as it allows an escape from the cycle of reincarnation.  It is rare that the two burning ghats (Manikarnika and Harishchandra) are not in use, as funeral pyres are constantly burning.

Firewood is stacked high to supply the endless demand.

It is eerie to see animals poking around in the funeral remains.

The river is also important for everyday life.  We saw many doing their laundry at the water's edge.

I don't care if somebody crapped their pants.  These clothes
were cleaner BEFORE they went into the filthy river.

Although it may be holy, the Ganges is still one of the dirtiest waterways around.  

Not only is there trash along the banks, but there are also dead bodies floating in the water.

Not all the activity is in the water.

People often meditate or pray on the ghats.

We saw some foreigners doing yoga while wearing M.C. Hammer pants.  These abominations of fashion are not worn by the local Indians nor by the tourists in their home countries.  I can't explain why folks feel compelled to come all the way over to India and start dressing like they are "too legit to quit."  We also spotted the "Space Invaders" mosaic that some a French artist named Invader created.  It seems to be fading badly nowadays.

Stop.  It's Hammer Time.

Other video-game themed murals can be found in cities worldwide.

We saw many sannyasin's dressed in orange.

These older men have renounced their possessions in order to
spend the remainder of their lives in spiritual pursuits.

Even more devout were the sadhu's, or
holy men, who live an ascetic lifestyle

Nearby was a more conventional Hindu temple
where a priest and several followers worshiped.

 Is the lion humping the elephant?  

The Manikarnika Kund is an old well said to have been formed by an earring of a Hindu goddess.

Overall, we enjoyed the scenic two hour boat ride.  We were intrigued to see how important the Ganges River is for both life and death.  We were certainly glad to have made the voyage to Varanasi, because there are so many remarkable sights to see that just have to be experienced in person.