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Varanasi, City of Shiva |
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photography by Steve Hamner |
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Here is a sampling of photos depicting the humanity and spirituality of Varanasi, one of the magical places of the planet. Mark Twain fell in love with Varanasi when he visited over a century ago - he remarked that the city appeared to be "older than dust" itself. |
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A young girl sitting at her flower stall. Religious pilgrims and visitors will purchase flowers to offer at a local temple or shrine. |
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A smiling girl from Gola Ghat. Unfortunately, her home neighborhood is extremely poor, and has a high incidence of disease, including cholera. |
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Colored powders for the spring festival |
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More beautiful smiles from Gola Ghat! |
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My friend Citizen One and a local baba. Citizen is a wonderful musician! |
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A mother and daughter visiting from Rajasthan. Their tribal dress was vibrant! |
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I title this, "Dear Lord" |
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A musical pilgrim named One who was visiting Varanasi from Rajasthan with his family pictured above. I was able to make an incredible recording of One playing the ravanata, a small fiddle, and singing. |
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