2-547-752 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Bathing ghat at Benares, India, late 19th or early 20th century. Benares (Varanasi) is a major place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists alike. The city has 3 miles of ghats (steps) along the banks of the Ganges, from which Hindus bathe in the sacred river. In addition there are burning ghats, from which the ashes of the cremated are scattered over the water. Benares contains a remarkable total of 1500 temples. Lantern slide.