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March 2015 back issue
by Aman Chotani
Varanasi is the most photogenic location I have ever visited. For people it can be the city of temples, the city of
lights or the oldest living city on earth but for me it was a step further. It was a journey that gave me some of the
best pictures, each depicting a story in itself: stories of forgiveness, sagas of love, narratives of dedication and
tales of inspiration.
While walking the not so clean streets of the city, I met some of the most memorable people I will ever encounter
in my life again. Speaking to them about their lives, their cultures, their devotion was enchanting and educating.
And the thrill on their faces with the idea of them being photographed was wonderful.
The icing on the cake has to be the Ganga Aarti performed at the Meer Ghat. It is a sight which is remarkably
divine and ethereal.
They told me about the various Ghats the city boasts about. Varanasi has nearly 100 Ghats. Many of the Ghats
were built when the city was under Maratha control. Most of the Ghats are bathing Ghats, while others are used
as cremation sites or for washing purposes popularly known as Dhobi Ghats.
The city has many lives revolving around it:
The lives of the sadhu’s who preach their religion,
the lives of the small children who aim to be like their
role models and the lives of the many people who come
each day to the city to attain purity of soul and pay
tribute to their god.
Each day I had many fascinating experiences and places to visit which made my journey more exciting and
perfect. There are times when you don’t want your journey to end, and this was one of those rare experiences of
my life.
I don’t know if I am an ardent follower of god really, but
being in the city I certainly felt the feeling of a supreme
power. It made me realize that in today’s fast moving
world, we need to stop and get the peace that we are
looking for.
Sadhu's Place where he sits everyday.
The Mundan ceremony of a baby is a ritual for purifying a baby's soul. It refers to the shaving off the first hairs on
the head of the baby.
Baba School Music - There are so many music schools as well yoga centers in Varanasi.
Mast Maula - Carefree Sadhu.
Aarti - Prayer.
Portrait of a boat maker.
Aarti - Prayer.
Nirvana.
Pandit Childhood - A Pandit is a scholar and a teacher, particularly one skilled in the Sanskrit language, who has
mastered the four scriptures.
Munshighat - Main ghat of Varanasi.