Another early start in Varanasi, taking another boat trip down the Ganges to see the end of the celebration for the Sun God. Fireworks and crackers were beig set off at 5.30 in the morning as people arose from their sleep by the river (lots stayed over night after celebrating all through the night). Candles were lit again; both on land and floating along the river. As the Sun began to rise, people put sugar canes and fruit in the water as an offering to the God. They then dipped in the water, dunking their heads under to help wash away their sins. Large paper lanterns were lit as people made prayers whilst standing in the river. Thousands of people turned up along the river bank to watch the sunrise and to drink the water. I chose not to take a dip (as holy as the water maybe) after seeing the rubbish floating round besides us.
xx
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