Getting off the train into Varanasi was a great feeling after a 9 hour journey. The sleeper train was incredibly cramped seeing the bunk beds were three high. Although the train station was not as crowded as previous ones it still seemed busy for the time of morning, after we were picked up and taken for a bumpy ride to the Surya Hotel. We were pleased to see that our rooms had comfortable beds and running hot water, unlike some of the rooms in New Delhi. Also to much of our surprises it also had a pool.
After a nice day of relaxation we prepared for our journey to the Ganges River. Here we saw many religious people bathing and the area that people were cremated. People are cremated here after being washed in the holy water of the Ganges as they believe it cleanses them before they go to heaven. It was amazing to see that in some areas people were swimming and bathing just downstream from where you will find dead animals and bodies.
One of the most interesting features that all religions share is the belief in one God. It was also quite amazing to see that people practice their religion openly and that it is a part of their everyday life whereas most Christians will only go to church on Sunday.
Later that night Classical musicians and Dancers put on a show for us and even though it was long it was enjoyable. The instruments they used looked old fashioned but they sounded great. the dancers wore bells on their ankles which made a lot of noise when they moved. The man playing the odd looking guitar was incredibly skilled and played so quickly you could hardly see his fingers.
There was another opportunity for us to go to the Ganges for another visit and 18 of us went. We spent some time watching a cremation ceremony taking place. We also saw a 6 month old baby who had died of an illness being ceremonially attached to a piece of rock and dropped into the river. Females are not allowed at the cremation area which makes it harder for mothers and wives to mourn over their loss. This created many
emotions within the group. Our group found this very saddening and it was hard to comprehend what was going on around us.
by Ollie ans George
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Sounds like each day is filled with new and incredible experiences. Thanks for letting us enjoy your journey with you all. Great reading for those of us back home. Take care everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi all. What a hit to the senses. As a mother it is very strange for me to think a mother/wife/daughter is not allowed to go to the funeral of their loved one. It takes a lot of maturity to accept other religions ways, especially if we don't agree with them. Wars were started on less. From what you have reported I feel very proud of you all for your compassion and inquisitiveness for returning.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to read all these updates. Keep up the wonderful descriptions and pictures in words. T & T
We are so protected in New Zealand from these grim realities.It must be quite hard on an emotional level to observe such everday tragegy,often the result of things we take for granted like clean drinking water. Take care of each other as you travel. I am interested to read about all your experiences.
ReplyDelete