Breaking the cycle, Varanasi, India - a photo on Flickriver

            Walking the temple grounds I was attracted by the beautiful red dress in the bright white temple, even though I could sense something was different, and asked the lady if I could take a photo. 

After the portrait I thanked her sincerely but she surprised me by saying quite harshly "What, you don't give me anything"? When I asked her what I can give her, what would she want, she became more gentle and said softly nevermind, it was ok, and explained that she was ill and came to Varanasi to wait for the end.  

Many Hindus believe that to die and be cremated in the holy city - with the ashes dispersed in the sacred river Ganga - breaks the cycle of rebirths. The end of suffering on earth. 

I left a little shaken after we exchanged some friendly words and can only hope she found what she wished for. Not all experience in travel is cheerful ... after my 1st India journey I only know that  'you can leave India, but India will not leave you'. 

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Taken in: India / Uttar Pradesh / Dasāshwamedh (show map)

Taken on: October 9, 2016

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