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c. 1880s India - burning ghat Ganges at Benares Varanasi
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c. 1880s India - burning ghat Ganges at Benares Varanasi
c.1880s India - burning ghat for cremation dead bodies on the Ganges at Benares Varanasi
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Media ID 23420090
© Mary Evans / Pump Park Photography
Benares Bodies Burning Collodion Cremation Cultural Dead Ganges Ghat Hisotry Varanasi Albumen
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This evocative photograph captures the solemn and sacred ritual of cremation at the burning ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in Benares, Varanasi, India, during the late 19th century. The image, taken around 1880s, presents a poignant and powerful scene of the final rites for the deceased, a practice deeply rooted in Hindu culture and tradition. The burning ghat, a place of pilgrimage for many, is where the bodies of the deceased are brought to be cremated, often by family members or hired priests. The ashes of the deceased are then immersed in the holy waters of the Ganges, believed to bring salvation and release from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The photograph, taken during the era of albumen or collodion process, showcases the raw and unfiltered reality of the scene. The smoke from the burning pyres rises into the sky, creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. The Ganges River, the life source for millions, flows gently in the background, adding to the serene and contemplative mood of the image. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of India during the 19th century, a time of great change and transformation. It is a poignant reminder of the continuity of life, death, and the deep-rooted traditions that shape the human experience. The burning ghat at Benares, Varanasi, remains a significant pilgrimage site and a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition.
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