A Hindu pilgrim or sadhu (holy man), enjoys an evening game of chess on one of Varanasi’s riverside ghats.  Uttar Pradesh, India.

Two young boys stare bemusedly at the tourist whilst a game of neighbourhood cricket takes place behind them.  Varanasi, India.

Bathing, washing and praying at one of Varanasi’s many ghats.  Uttar Pradesh, India.

Men gather for their early morning bath in the Ganges.  Varanasi, India.

Washing down by the Ganges.  Varanasi, India.

They’re slow, they’re uncomfortable, you’re exposed to the sun and the traffic fumes, but they’re just so cheap.  Bicycle rickshaw through Varanasi, India.

Two young boys relieving themselves where they can.  One seems to be checking on the progress of the other.  Varanasi, India.

Hindu devotees cover themselves in ashes as a sign of humilty and acknowledgement of their own mortality.  This gentleman was sitting quietly atop one of Varanasi’s many ghats when I met him.  Beside him is his copper pot with which he collects the sacred Ganges water as part of his prayer rituals.

This man’s job is to cut the wood and arrange the pyre on which the deceased are cremated.  Death and cremation at Varanasi is considered very auspicious for Hindus.  Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, India.

A young priest performing the daily evening worship ceremony or aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi, India.