Varanasi is considered to be the holiest of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. The Ganges, the sacred river that crosses the city, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year who come to fulfil their lives’ pilgrimage, pray, bath, wash their clothes and perform rituals in the river Ganges.
I wanted to capture the activity around the river, and my attention was soon focused to what the people feel. Drawn to the calmness and kindliness of the people, I wanted to capture their simplicity and warmth. The devotion was apparent and I wanted to get close to the people and understand all about this river and the relationship Hindus have with her. I began to make photographs of people as they were praying. These portrait-like pictures reveal emotions than explain how the people relate to the Ganges and how strong their bond with the river is. The portraits raise questions about tradition and religion, and how such attachments will survive the passing of time in a country that changes rapidly.
