For the past few days I have been in Varanassi. So I will start this blog with some insights into the area, before the inevitably descent into pictures that I find funny.
Varanassi is the holiest place for Hindus the world over, they come here to die and have there bodies burnt and put into the Ganges. This is a powerful and moving ritual. It is also slightly troubling for those with the slightest interest in hygiene. I have just come back from a boat trip, where the sun set majestically over the city and I saw a thumb floating by. In this same river, people, cows and dogs come together to wash, drink and excrete.
To imagine Varanassi, think of a hectic Middle Eastern city, Jerusalem or Marrakesh for example, and then add a distinctly Indian flavour. Round every narrow corner lurk three cows, two motorbikes, a stray dog, seven people wanting to sell me drugs and a procession of people carrying dead bodies. It's hard to describe and photos will never do it justice.
One of the groups of holy men, Sadhus, who have been seen in town are a group of naga sadhus. The Aghoris of Northern India want to overcome the world's taboos. Which leads them to consume the flesh of the dead floating on the Ganges. According to them, eating human flesh confers spiritual and physical. Synagogue may occassionally be dull, boring even, but don't come complaining to me again of the rabbi's lengthy sermons. At least you won't be his dinner...
And finally, the picture, you've all been craving. A confused hotel that I decided was best avoided...
1 comment:
I am sure there is no Rabbi you know who gives 'lengthy sermons'. Though you may be surprised to hear that sometimes certain congregants might look good enough to eat...
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