Ganges River Offerings Ceremony, Varanasi India Editorial Image

Tourists are watching the offering Ceremony of the Ganges River from boats on river at Varanasi, India. Banaras, is considered as the cultural capital of the oldest and holiest cities in India and home to the most famous Ghats (steps leading down to the river) in the country. There are more than 150 Ghats alongside Ganges in Banaras. Worshippers flock to these Ghats every day to bathe in the holy River Ganges which is believed to absolve one from all sins and then worship at the many temples lining the riverbank. Huge crowds of pilgrims and visitors from all parts of the world gather to take part in this ancient ritual which involves making offerings (puja) to the rising sun and is often watched by tourists who come to photograph this incredible sight. Banaras has been a traditional center of learning of philosophy, Sanskrit, astrology and religion.