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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India (25� 16' 55.2? N, 82� 57' 22.68? E)
Date: 29 September 2005; 6.25am
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens
Varanasi (also known as Banares and Kasi) is one of the holiest cities to Hindus though it is also considered sacred to Buddhists and Jains. According to legend, the city was founded by Shiva 5,000 years ago, hence, making it one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus. It is situated on the west bank of the Ganges River and hordes of Hindu pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of the river. It is considered auspicious to die in Varanasi; so thousands of people have come to die over the centuries. Their bodies are cremated in one of the ghats along the river with the ashes flowing down the river. The city is also one of temples- temples big and small at every corner. There are also many beautiful old Moghul-era buildings along the river. The best way to marvel at these buildings as well as to observe life and rituals along the river is to take a boat ride in the evening.
It is a powerful place to be, even for the non-faithful like myself.

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Nothing happens when you sit at home. I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times…I just shoot at what interests me at that moment. – Elliott Erwitt"
“I treat the photograph as a work of great complexity in which you can find drama. Add to that a careful composition of landscapes, live photography, the right music and interviews with people, and it becomes a style.” – Ken Burns