Paco, first of all thank you for sharing this great series. Varanasi is "one of it’s kind" place in India. Yes, difficult to relate for many unless you have a local guide.
#5 The river Ganges gives the reason to be. Many, many, many different things can be happening on that river in a very little space and all at once!
The center of staunch hinduism. River Ganges flows by Varanasi, which is considered so holy that people used to go to Varanasi at old age so that they can die with their body submerged in river Ganges. Civilization started in Varanasi as early as 11th or 12th century BC, based on Archeological evidence.
The Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BC, at nearby Sarnath.
The cow, that’s a real “holy cow”.
I like the second shot more.
Colorful characters everywhere. That trident symbol, representing if I´m not mistaken, the "trident of Shiv"
Yes, the trident is “trident of Shiva”. And, the cloth-less priest has covered his body with holy ashes. Very
very candid shots. Third and fourth priest shots are phenomenal. Marijuana is easily available in Varanasi btw, given their religious excuse.
The boat shots are beautiful, especially the last one with blue boats.
#6 and always the city is alive and in movement
Rickshaws are like taxis in Varanasi. People hail a rickshaw for long or short distance commute and they are everywhere.
Top view rickshaw shot is very cool and DSC01683 as well.
The other peculiar thing in Varanasi, are the alleys between hundreds of years old buildings. There are thousands of alleys in Varanasi and they almost all of them lead to river ganges.
Great storytelling photos. Cheers!