Tue 27th
The most ancient sacred town in India for Hindus, Varanasi is on the Ganges. We had been warned that it would be dirty and full of touts and gained the impression that we might find it disappointing but for me it is the most interesting, special, bizarre and strangely picturesque place we have seen so far. Sure it is dirty, very polluted and busy (what's new!) but there seems to be a little more order to the chaos, the people sweeping the streets do a better job (not just pointlessly moving dirt and dust around as in other places we have been). The stalls/shops seem a little better laid out and there is more of a heart to the city rather than the usual random sprawl. Maybe it is just that I am getting used to India?
We walked from one end of the holy ghats (bathing/washing steps) to the other. The Ganges here is particularly sacred and pilgrims come to swim, wash, drink, do laundry, clean teeth, float burning candles and cremate their dead on burning pyres. A simple cremation in a concrete building is 600R (£
or the full ritual outdoors next to The Ganges is 4500R (about £60). We watched some cremations which was quite difficult.
Wed 28th
This morning we took a two hour ride in a rowing boat all along the ghats. The light was amazing and it is a wonderful way to watch all the strange rituals happening all along. Enjoyed hanging my feet over the side of the boat into such a special river.
Spent the afternoon planning the next exciting part of our adventure. Watch this space!!!
Nik
xx
No women allowed at these cremations apparently they might still want to throw themselves on top as in years gone by .My own view is that many women would probably happily light the match,but as we know all men like a good bonfire! On the subject of the fairer sex and in the safe knowledge that noone is reading this ,I do believe societies that are very male dominated dont tend to work very well. The women often seem to do the real work while men play card chat or drink and yes even Raj agreed with this. Is this a reason why the country is how it is!!
For those of you wishing to know yes I have resorted to about two doses of Diacalm nothing too uncomfortable and in my view a small upset stomach is a good way of cleansing the system and shedding afew pounds,which lets face it is not something to be sniffed at (nik has been fine)
Food has been great lots of fresh spices and plenty of variety,Hindus are vegetarians.
Nige
