After taking a bath in the holy waters of the river Ganga, these men clean and dry their lungis and shirts on the ghat, Meer Ghat, Varanasi — After taking a bath in the holy waters of the river Ganga, these men clean and dry their lungis and shirts on the ghat, *Meer Ghat, Varanasi*

GANGA GHATS

Throughout South Asia and India, the term ghat refers to steps that are leading down to a body of water, usually a holy lake or river. Among the many holy rivers in India, one particularly stands out. Ganga Mata, Mother Ganges, is the holiest of all rivers and the Ganga Ghats are equally special places.

Varanasi, which is also known as Benares, is not only one of the seven Sapta Puri, the most important holy pilgrimage centres in India, but also its holiest. Like a lifeline the Ganges River wiggles along the eighty-eight ghats of Varanasi. Apart from two cremation ghats, the ghats are mainly used for bathing ceremonies and puja prayer rituals but daily life and leasure time are also spent down at the riverside.

Walking up and down along the Ganga Ghats feels like experiencing a condensed, intense version of Hindu India. But there is always the chance to find a less crowded ghat, climb a few steps and enjoy the tranquility of the slow-flowing river and the hazy views of the opposing riverbank.

A sadhu, a religious ascetic man, is descending some of the many steep staircases leading down to the ghats, Pandey Ghat, Varanasi — A sadhu, a religious ascetic man, is descending some of the many steep staircases leading down to the ghats, *Pandey Ghat, Varanasi*

A boat of Hindu pilgrims is leaving the ghat for a ride to the middle of the river Ganga, Lalita Ghat, Varanasi — A boat of Hindu pilgrims is leaving the ghat for a ride to the middle of the river Ganga, *Lalita Ghat, Varanasi*

A street barber is shaving his customer while a man in the back is ground is selling pink candy floss, Ahilya Bai Ghat, Varanasi — A street barber is shaving his customer while a man in the back is ground is selling pink candy floss, *Ahilya Bai Ghat, Varanasi*

A girl and a sadhu in typical orange clothing are playing an evening session of badminton, Raja Ghat, Varanasi — A girl and a sadhu in typical orange clothing are playing an evening session of badminton, *Raja Ghat, Varanasi*

Varanasi’s ghats are home to hundreds of holy cows that mostly live on food waste, Tripura Bhairavi Ghat, Varanasi — Varanasi’s ghats are home to hundreds of holy cows that mostly live on food waste, *Tripura Bhairavi Ghat, Varanasi*

Like many others, this young man is flying his kite during the festive days of Makar Sankranti, Janki Ghat, Varanasi — Like many others, this young man is flying his kite during the festive days of Makar Sankranti, *Janki Ghat, Varanasi*