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Pyres burning at Manikarnika cremation site in Varanasi, India

Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat of Varanasi, India, where cremation pyres are burning 24 hours a day. The work at the cremation ghat is carried out by the Doms, traditionally looked upon as untouchables. The ghat leads down to the sacred River Ganges. To be cremated in the holy city of Varanasi means a straight passage to heaven, many Hindus believe.

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Copyright: Copyright © 2004 Anders Ryman. All rights reserved.
Image Size: 5515x3661 / 19.0MB; Asia Fire Ganges Hindu Hinduism Large Group of People Life Cycle Ritual Men Religion Rite of Passage Smoke South Asia Uttar Pradesh Varanasi Winter boat caste ceremony cremation death rites event events firewood funeral human-powered watercraft pyre rite ritual river row-boats rowing-boats shoreline social society untouchables water craft wintertime work
Contained in galleries: Cremation in Varanasi, India

Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat of Varanasi, India, where cremation pyres are burning 24 hours a day. The work at the cremation ghat is carried out by the Doms, traditionally looked upon as untouchables. The ghat leads down to the sacred River Ganges. To be cremated in the holy city of Varanasi means a straight passage to heaven, many Hindus believe.