Dawn in Varanasi


This was our second visit to Varanasi, aka Benares/Banaras, aka Kashi and more. Highlights of this year's visit were two boat rides on the Ganga, including a visit to (but not in, as only Hindus are allowed) the Golden Temple, visits with our friends of the Deva Institute for Child Care, a frustrating (It was Friday, so the museum was closed; on top of that, we couldn't find the nice restaurant where we ate last year.) but beautiful morning in Sarnath and much time contemplating the Ganga and the people below from the balcony of our hotel.

First, a picture we forgot to take last year. An Indian door lock!

Indian door lock
Indian hotel-door lock

Not all hotels have locks like these, but many moderately-priced ones do. This one is only about 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, a relatively small one. In addition, you find these things for sale in many markets. Just a bit of local color we wanted to remember and share. But we digress...

The day starts early in Varanasi -- before the sun comes up even. The following pictures were taken from Meer Ghat (300 m north of central Dashashwamed Ghat), but we also had the pleasure of observing the dawn from Assi Ghat (in the south of town).

Dawn on the Ganga in Varanasi Dawn on the Ganga in Varanasi
Boats with pilgrims and tourists are out even before the sun comes up.
Dawn on the Ganga in Varanasi Dawn on the Ganga in Varanasi

The rising sun catches the religious Hindus of Varanasi already doing their morning puja (worship with offerings). In fact, dawn is a great moment in Varanasi and observing the various forms of activity then is one of the high points of any visit.

Varanasi at dawn Varanasi at dawn
At Meer Ghat, an offering for Mother Ganga Greeting the rising sun
Varanasi at dawn Varanasi at dawn
Dawn at Assi Ghat and the flower sellers are already at work.
Varanasi at dawn Varanasi at dawn
A woman at puja These ladies were sitting in a circle and singing.
(One of our favorite pictures/memories)
Dawn on the Ganga Dawn on the Ganga
A Hindu (wow, what a lotus position!) and four Muslims
Dawn on the Ganga Dawn on the Ganga
A sadhu (holy man) Brahmins with their sacred threads
Dawn on the Ganga Dawn on the Ganga
A ghat goat Fishermen prepare their nets
Dawn on the Ganga Dawn on the Ganga
Washing Splashing in the holy river
Dawn on the Ganga Dawn on the Ganga
The sun lights a small shrine atop a ghat ... ... as children show up at school 

Now that the sun has risen, we decided to take a boat ride on the Ganga.


Back to India 2007