LIFE ALONG THE GANGES RIVER IN VARANASI, INDIA

Varanasi is situated on the left (west) bank of the River Ganga & is generally believed to be about 3,000 years old. It is regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for several thousand years. The Ganga, is the largest river in India. It is 2.525 km long and crosses the whole country. It’s the most sacred river to Hindus and is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs. Hindus consider the waters of the Ganges to be both pure and purifying. Nothing reclaims order from disorder more than the waters of the Ganges. Moving water, as in a river, is considered purifying in Hindu culture because it is thought to both absorb impurities and take them away.