Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the very few ancient cities that is still alive. Its one of India's most culturally rich cities.
Here are some of my pictures taken during my several tours. Nothing much has changed over the years I had seen the city.I got up really early and went to the ghat. To my surprise, the place had awakened much before me.
My pictures of Varanasi.
Please scroll on the picture area to see the pictures.
See my pictures of Varanasi in better resolution here. (for computer users)
Note: If you want a customized tour focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
Join us for a Photography Tour to Varanasi during Dev Diwali
Varanasi is one of my favourite places for photography. Its like an ocean.
When you go there for the first time, it will definitely look noisy and chaotic and filthy. The noise at the Gadauliya Chaurasta to the way to the Dasashwamedh Ghat (the main ghat) is deafening. The chaos is overwhelming. But, as you start absorbing the place, you will suddenly start liking the place. It is one of the oldest cities of the world that is still alive.
Its also the best place to see ancient Indian culture and shoot.
I remember my first visit to Varanasi about three decades ago. I was overwhelmed to see the place. I was just 15 but was very much interested in travelling and photography. I had a basic film camera at that time and I was very facinated to see the cameras with big lenses by the foreigners. I thought, they cameras would be awesome and could take great pictures. That is past. Later I realized that camera is needed but more important is your vision and understanding of light and composition.
Since I have been to Varanasi many times, I have a decent collection of the place which can give you an understanding of the photographic opportunities. Please go through my images and let me know if you like them.
Varanasi Ghats Pictures
Most of the action in Varansi either happens in the gallis (lanes) or in the ghats (banks of the river).
The name Varanasi is derived from two words - Varuna and Assi, the two ghats which mark the two ends of this ancient city.
When I go there, my typical routine is this -
Wake up, get ready and reach the ghats about an hour before sunrise. The activities at the ghats start early.
People come here to take bath everyday and they have been doing this since their childhood. Though I agree, that the water is very polluted now and I would not like to take a dip in this water like any other devout Hindu.
I immerse myself in the activies and document them. Its the faith that makes them believe that they will be washed off all their sins if they take a dip.
I walk around till the time the light is good, maybe around 10am, have breakfast. By about 11am, the sun has risen high enough to illuminate the narrow lanes. This is the best time for photographing in the lanes. Sometimes, you will find rays of light hitting in and makes some great pictures.
If I get tired, I go to the room to see the pictures take some rest and come back by about 3pm. Most of the days, I really don't stop. I walk almost the whole day.
Early morning is also the time to shoot the wrestlers in the akhadas or the traditional gyms. It is very interesting to observe their activities and shoot them.
Varanasi City Images
Images of Varanasi
This sadhu was painting his forehead preparing himself for his daily prayers. These sadhus believe that they have to be purified and presented well before they start praying.
Though some ghats were crowded, some were lonely. The most important and obviously the most crowded ghat in Varanasi is the Dasashwamedh Ghat. That is where the spectacular Ganga Arati happens. Ladies light up lamps and use it as a meduim to please the gods, symbolically going from darkness to light
You will see a lot of graffitis there in Varanasi. I like to wait for sometime and shoot with with some relevant subjects to make the scene interesting.
Note: If you want a customized tour focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
In the morning a lot of sadhus come to the river to take bath. With the sun rising, it makes a great picture.
India, at one time was believed as the land of snake charmers. Its no more true. In fact, you will hardly find snake charmers. It is considered illegal now and these people are being asvised to take up new professions. However, in Varanasi, you will sometimes come across these people. I took a picture of this with the crowd. I doubt that there will be any left in the next 10 years.
Note: If you want a customized tour focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
Join us for a Photography Tour to Varanasi during Dev Diwali
Join us for a Photography Tour to Varanasi during Dev Diwali
Tips for photographers
Be Light
Be ready to walk a lot; really a lot.
Wear slippers not shoes.
Get going before daybreak, take some rest in the afternoon and come back in the evening.
Don't stick to one place for long (unless you are sure about a shot) - keep moving.
Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
Thanksgiving
Thank you for reading this post. Hope you liked spending time here. I will be back again with another interesting place.
Join us for a Photography Tour to Varanasi during Dev Diwali
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