Scenes from Varanasi
Stepping into Varanasi was like entering a living, breathing time capsule. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, its narrow alleys and ghats along the Ganga River tell stories spanning millennia. Through my lens and a short film, I aimed to capture the essence of this extraordinary place.
Ancient Whispers in Every Corner
Varanasi’s rich cultural history is evident in every corner of the city. Temples seem to sprout from every nook and cranny, their intricate carvings telling tales of gods and mortals alike. What fascinated me most was learning about the clever architectural tricks employed by ancient kings. Many temples were built discreetly, tucked away in narrow alleys and surrounded by ordinary houses - a strategy to protect these sacred spaces from potential invaders.
The Local Flower Market
Vendors pay a fee to sell their flowers in this common marketplace. Their produce is weighed at the start and end of each day and the organizers collect their fee accordingly.
A Quiet Afternoon
Two people resting at the front porch of a local shop in Varanasi.
An Indian Delicacy: Aam Papad
A vendor selling flattened mango pulp in the streets of Varanasi.
A Summer Quencher
Vendors making sugarcane juice using a manual wheel
A Feast for the Senses
No trip to Varanasi is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I savored the city’s famous street food, from crispy kachori sabzi to the creamy delight of malaiyo. But the true highlight was discovering the legendary Prahlad Prasad Chourasiya Paan shop. As I savored the explosion of flavors in their award-winning paan, I learned of the shop’s secret role in India’s fight for independence. Right under the noses of British authorities, freedom fighters used this unassuming paan stall to pass covert messages, proving that even the sweetest treats can have a revolutionary edge.
Where Life and Death Intertwine
Perhaps what resonated with me most about Varanasi was its unique relationship with mortality. Along the ghats, I witnessed the full spectrum of human existence - from joyous religious ceremonies to intense funeral pyres. The burning ghats, where bodies are cremated in full view, is a stark contrast to the West’s view on death. In Varanasi, death is not hidden away, rather embraced and even welcomed as the circle of life.
A City of Contrasts
From the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk to the quiet morning rituals along the river, every moment in this city is an experience that touches your soul. Through my photographs and film, I hope to share a glimpse of this extraordinary city - a place that continues to captivate pilgrims, travelers, and seekers of all kinds, just as it has for thousands of years.
