The Ancient Cremation Ghats of Varanasi: A Sacred Tradition

In the holy city of Varanasi, the ritual of cremation along the Ganges River continues as it has for millennia. The burning ghats, particularly Manikarnika Ghat, are among the most sacred sites in Hinduism, where families bring their deceased for final rites. The process is deeply spiritual, with priests performing ceremonies while logs are arranged for the funeral pyre. Despite modernization, this ancient tradition remains largely unchanged, drawing both pilgrims and curious travelers to witness the cycle of life and death.