City of Varanasi

Tom Pietrasik

Set Ref:201

Date:18/02/2010

The ancient city of Varanasi lies on the banks of the Ganges river in northern India. According to legend, the city was founded by Lord Shiva and as such attracts over a million Hindu pilgrims every year. Though the river is highly polluted, many insist that bathing in the Ganges at Varanasi will cleanse their soul. A steady stream of pilgrims has spawned an industry of barbers, priests and chai-wallas all of whom ply their trade on the banks of the revered river.