Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is extremely colourful and spiritual.

The city of Shiva is one of the holiest places in India, where Hindu pilgrms come to wash away a lifetime of sins in the Ganges or to cremate their loved ones.

Varanasi has always been an auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

What we didn't expect was that Varanasi was one of the highlights of the trip. As yun said it beautifully, Varanasi IS one of the oldest LIVING places. We had visited alot of historical sites, but it was past glory. Varanasi is still alive and living now, and everyday along the Ghats (Steps by the river), people are showering, people are doing their laundry and people are dying.

Varanasi is one destination that you shouldn't miss if you visit India.

It offers a spiritual perspective of India that is lacking in other cities/towns.

One of great things along the trip - to meet nice & interesting people. =)

OZ is a turkish dude, who is a contemporary dancer in Istanbul. He was in a yoga retreat for a few months, and he would be incorporating some yoga posture into his contemporary dance. Cool and interesting!!!

Sorry, but i have to show you this.
Kena bitten by beg-bugs. Argh!!!
Damn itchy.
(Imagine that I have 150-200 bites all over my body)
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Pre-dawn @ Ganges River
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It was one of those moments that I would remember for a long time, and may be a lifetime.
Sitting on the boat moving towards the burning Ghats, the cold breeze was sweeping pass your face, and from a distance, you could see the lights from the Ghat and at the background, you hear the chanting of Hindu Priests in preparation of the burning of the deceased at dawn.
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You could enjoy the serenity of the morning, but at the back of mind, you know that the family members are sending the last journey of their loved one.
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thousands and millions have died here
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Then, you will start to contemplate about life
I thought about the impermanece of life.
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I think of the moments when my loved ones will be gone.
I think of the moments when my friends will be gone.
I think of the moments when I would be gone.
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You might feel unbearable, you might feel lost, you might feel helpless.
But it is a path that we will have to go through, and it's a matter of when, where and how.
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The sun will still rise and fall, the wind will still blow
the World will still go on without you
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why cry if you have lived your life the best possible way?
won't it be beautiful to enjoy and cherish what you have NOW...
won't it be good to show kindness to everybody around you NOW...
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In fact, to die at Ganges during dawn is quite beautiful and peaceful.
returning (your ashes) to mother nature

The View opposite the Ghats along the Ganges

Burning Ghats

One of the burning Ghats

One of great things along the trip - to see Sunrise

I just like this poster.

Could someone explain to me what's written in this Hindi advertisement?

One of great things along the trip - to meet nice & interesting people. =)

(Boon, Yun, Anna & Hanyang)

Met Anna while we were purchasing train ticket. She knew that our stay in Varanasi was short, and she took the initiative to bring us to a nice place for breakfast and bring us around the Ghat. Anna was in love with Varanasi and she stayed here for 1 month. She had been traveling in India for 4.5 months already after finishing her Masters in Netherland. Impressive!!!