Varanasi-20151202-1646-_35A0628-Edit

            I have seen some amazing/shocking photographs from the 'burning ghats' of Varanasi and was excited in a way when I went to one of these ghats yesterday. I saw this body of a young woman (early forties). I arrived while the chanting of religious hymns was going on and with the body placed amongst the wood. 

For me the exposed feet and head were a big shock. Being a Sikh, I have seen many cremations within my close family and also of friends but I have never seen any part of the body left exposed before the pyre is set on fire. It was shocking for me and quite traumatic I must admit.

I stood around till the fire was lit and shot a few images of the feet but then I had to move away.

I did not have it in me to go towards the other side where the head lay exposed the head and part of the face covered in her garment. I know people have their customs and what have you but I do wish we would not make it so difficult for the loved ones let alone bystanders like me to witness the cremation. 

I talked to the woman's young son and asked him how long he would stand there since in my family people stay till the pyre catches fire and then return the next day to collect the ashes.
He shocked me by saying they would stay on the ghats as long as it takes and then leave only after collecting the ashes for submersion in the waters.

I do wish electric crematoriums became the norm. In the major cities and towns there are many electric crematoriums available for those who would like to use them.

Taken in: India / Uttar Pradesh / Varanasi / Bhogpur (show map)

Taken on: December 2, 2015

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Sets appears in: • All (as on 19-7-23)Newest first • ALL AS ON 19-7-23 Oldest first more » • 2015 UPDATED • 2015 Everything • 2015-11/12 RURAL INDIA - Pushkar & Varanasi • 2015-12 Varanasi • India 2018 • 2015-EVERYTHING • Everything 2015-2019 • India 2015, 2016 • 10+ (2010-2019) • My Favourites • People • In Galleries • People in colour • Known cameras • Life in general • EOS 7D Mk ii • 10+ fave « less

Groups appears in: • A Photographer [No AI or SL]

Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II, f/2.8, 1/80 sec, 44mm, ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Lens:	EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Aperture:	f/2.8
Exposure Time:	0.013 sec (1/80)
Focal Length:	44mm
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.3 (Macintosh)
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