Abandoned Widows

In many places in India widows are often perceived as a burden to their families. Persistent beliefs and traditions prevent them from remarrying so they become an extra mouth to feed. Many are shunned and driven away from their families, forced to fend for themselves. Many take refuge in ashrams where they will wait out their lives until death takes them. Some resort to begging on the streets, trusting their fate to karma. Photographed at ashrams in Varanasi and Vrindavan.