Cremation Ghats of Varanasi or Banaras
Varanasi is known for its cremation ghats where you’ll find multiple places in the city where dead bodies are burnt. Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi stands on the top for its energy , vibrant atmosphere throughout the year. This ghat is alive all the time where you may see dead bodies burning 24hrs a day non stop.
They say that this ghat never stops cremating people. Although there is another ghat known as Harischandra Ghat just around 2 km from Manikarnika but that is less crowded in comparison to this one.
You can see families carrying the dead bodies on their shoulders and preparing the cremation process. Around 200 dead bodies are cremated here everyday. First of all, the family performs the rituals at home such as last rites. Then they carry the dead bodies on their shoulders and bring it to the cremation place.
Anyone can just come and wait for their turn to cremate the dead bodies. Sometimes this place gets over crowded. After bringing the dead body at cremation ground, the family open the dead body from the ladder and then put it on wooded pyres. So the bead body is in the middle of the pyres.
Afterwards, the blood relative of the family such as son, husband or any male of the family starts the funeral process. He must shave his head first of all and then take a dip in the Ganga and wear white cotton. Afterwards, he takes the flame from the eternal flame burning there for around 3000 years. Then finally starts the funeral.
It takes around 4 hrs for a body to burn properly. The family members stay around the dead body to make sure it is burnt properly. Once the body is burnt properly, the members of the family take dip in the river Ganga and go back to their home. The ladies of the house stay at home and wait for them to come back so they may prepare something light to eat. Women mostly stay at home and don’t participate in the funeral although they may if they wish to participate.
It cost around 14000 INR to cremate the dead body. The wood, the priest, the barber and other cost are expensive so its not a cheap deal to cremate a dead body.
