Ganges River

In true Indian style there was a change of plans today and so we were able to go over to the Ganges River in Varanasi.

The beautiful photos of the Ganges must have been taken with amazing cameras and cleaver lighting, because the reality (at least where we were) is very different.

The rubbish, people living everywhere, westerners getting stoned, many naked men, and the ever so dirty river is a sorry sight. There was a real darkness and sadness over the place.

We were privileged (?) to be able to watch two families prepare and cremate their loved ones and learnt a lot from a local guy who explained it all and the symbolism that goes with this act.
While I understand a little of the 'whys' this practice happens, to my western mind, it was hard to watch a body burn and remember that this was someones loved one. There was no celebration of the life lived or even any displays of sorry, because that would hinder the body from entering the next life peacefully.

I am extremely thankful that I believe, when a person dies in Christ, while there is sorrow, there is also hope and the promise of Eternal Life.