Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a sacred place for Hindus, as they believe that dying and being cremated here allows them to achieve moksha, liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. The banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, especially the ghats like Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are traditional sites for cremations, attracting devotees from all over India for this sacred ritual.
Varanasi, also known as Benares, is one of the oldest and holiest Hindu cities in India. Hindus consider it the favorite city of the god Shiva, one of the main deities of this religion. According to their beliefs, dying in Varanasi allows the soul to attain moksha directly, which means ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirths. Essentially, if you die here, there is no need for reincarnation; you achieve ultimate spiritual peace. Hence the immense importance of this city in the minds of Hindus, who come in large numbers to spend their last moments or perform important religious rites there.
The Ganges river is sacred to Hindus, considered a living goddess in her own right under the name of Ganga. According to Hindu tradition, its waters purify bodies and souls, erasing the negative karma accumulated during a lifetime. This is why it plays a central role in funeral rites in Varanasi: immersing the ashes of a deceased person in the Ganges, or even just cremating their body on its banks, is believed to help the soul find peace and escape the perpetual cycle of rebirths. Families from all over India gather there to entrust their deceased to the river, convinced that dying or being cremated here guarantees a unique form of spiritual liberation.
In Varanasi, cremations take place primarily at two famous ghats, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Manikarnika is the most famous and busiest, active day and night. It begins with briefly dipping the body wrapped in a shroud into the sacred water of the Ganges, before placing it on a carefully stacked wooden pyre. Then, the eldest son or a close relative of the family lights the flame to commence the cremation. Throughout this ritual, sacred chants resonate and relatives perform ritual prayers, while around them, the life of the city continues its quiet course. The Harishchandra Ghat, less frequented, is generally reserved for poorer families. These open-air ceremonies are an integral part of the daily landscape of Varanasi.
Varanasi is perceived by Hindus as one of the most sacred places to achieve moksha, that is, liberation from the endless cycle of reincarnations. According to their beliefs, dying in this city allows them to escape this cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) to merge directly into the absolute. As a result, many elderly or ill people come to spend their last days in Varanasi to ensure that they facilitate their passage to this sought-after spiritual liberation. Dying here is therefore not just a step; it is the culmination of a spiritual life: one wipes away all past karmic debts and finally finds eternal peace. This belief is so deeply rooted that cremations on the ghats are viewed as a happy transition rather than a source of sadness.
In Varanasi, the daily presence of cremations clearly influences the general atmosphere and pace of life. Funeral processions are often seen in the streets, making cremations a familiar and accepted reality for the locals. The ceremonies at the ghats regularly attract curious onlookers and visitors, both local and foreign, which even encourages a certain tourism around these events. One can see many small businesses specializing in offerings, ritual objects, and cremation wood, which directly contributes to the local economy. This constant climate also gives the residents of Varanasi a particular relationship with death: here, it is less taboo, more integrated into daily life, and approached in a very open manner. Many ordinary conversations, whether with family or neighbors, naturally evoke themes such as the soul, karma, or moksha (spiritual liberation). These ubiquitous cremations thus play a major role in the unique cultural identity of the city, shaping its traditions, economy, and mindsets.
Due to the high number of cremations, around 200 to 300 tons of wood are consumed each day in Varanasi to fuel the funeral pyres.
Despite the high number of daily cremations, the funeral pyre at the Manikarnika ghat in Varanasi has been burning continuously for several centuries, never having completely extinguished.
According to tradition, there are special hotels and houses in Varanasi, called 'kashi labh mukti bhavans', where elderly or sick individuals can stay during their final days, peacefully awaiting death near the Ganges.
In Hinduism, certain specific individuals cannot be cremated, such as pregnant women, children, or ascetics considered pure; their bodies are instead immersed directly in the sacred waters of the Ganges in Varanasi.
Yes, many legends surround Varanasi. For example, the belief that the god Shiva himself whispers in the ears of the dying in Varanasi to guide them towards spiritual liberation is particularly popular among Hindu devotees.
Yes, it is possible to discreetly attend cremations on the ghats, but it is essential to be respectful, discreet, and not to disturb the ceremonies. Some ghats, like Manikarnika ghat, allow visitors, but taking photos or videos is still prohibited.
In theory, yes, but certain specific groups are traditionally not cremated according to classical Hindu rites (for example, children, pregnant women, or certain sadhus). They may be buried or directly entrusted to the waters of the Ganges without being burned.
Cremations are an integral part of daily life in Varanasi. For the locals, they represent an accepted spiritual and cultural reality and are not viewed negatively. On the contrary, they constantly remind people of the importance of spirituality and the impermanence of existence.
The Ganges is considered a sacred river in Hinduism. It is believed that cremation on the banks of the Ganges purifies the soul of the deceased, frees them from the cycle of reincarnations (samsara), and allows them to achieve spiritual liberation known as moksha.
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