VARANASI
Mark Twain truly said that “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
Varanasi is also commonly known as Benares or Benaras and Kashi, a city on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. According to legend, the city was founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, several thousand years ago which makes it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India.
Enjoy the spirit of Varanasi here….
Probhat Aroti
Om !
Morning puja on Ganges.
In memory of the forefathers
He came all the way from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to Varasnasi to bring homage to his deceased ancestors, like so many Hindu from all over India, believing that after death, the soul given to the Goddess Ganga, remains in the river of life and death.
Sun Rise
Sun rise on Ganges.
Body Building
Early morning body building at Varanasi.
Puja
Puja before Body Building .
Body Building
Early morning body building at Varanasi.
Body Building
Early morning body building on the Ganges.
Pranayam
Early morning pranayam on the Ganges.
Yoga
Sit – Up
Early morning body building on the Ganges.
Priest
Priest
A priest at Varanasi.
Sadhu
A Sadhu at Varanasi.
Handful of blessing
Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, the priest of the Shitala Mandir at Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi is one of the few survivors of a tragic bus accident on 3rd June 1996 morning where more than fifty people were killed. Four people are still in coma. In that accident he lost one of his hands. As the time passes by he realized that he was being neglected by his family as he became physically challenged due to that tragic occurrence. One day he told his father that hell earn himself and he came to Varanasi. When he came to Varanasi he fell in love with the ancient city.
Mentor
Ganga Darshan
Boating on the Ganges.
Ganga Darshan
Ghats
Ghats of Varanasi.
Fortune Teller
A fortune teller on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Sadhu
A priest from Varanasi.
Waiting
An old woman at Varanasi.
Puja
Puja on the Shitala Mandir.
Puja
Puja on the bank of Ganges.
Burning Ghat
Burning Ghat on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Burning Memories
Few days ago early in the morning one mobile call from Varanasi really shocked me for some time. Only four words Sir Kiran mama chale gaye (Kiran uncle is no more). Though I was getting ready for my office but couldnt control myself and sat on the couch for an hour. He was only 65 ! Kiran Chowdhury, the famous Doma (A Hindu caste whose duty is to burn the dead and look after the crematorium) of Varanasi is no more ! Though hell not burn bodies anymore but therell be burning all the time. From now bodies will be burnt without his touch as he burnt to ashes. During my last visit to Varanasi we had a long discussion regarding Hinduism and Karma. That day once again I realised that wisdom doesnt come from the books always.
Burning Ghat
Burning Ghat on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Navaratri
A family celebrating Sharada Navaratri at Varanasi.
Evening Puja
Evening Puja on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Durga Bisarjan
DURGA BISARJAN on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Puja
Evening Puja on Doshomi at Varanasi.
Dura Bisarjan
DURGA BISARJAN on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Sondha Aroti
Sondha Aroti (Evening Puja) on the Ganges at Varanasi.
Sondha Aroti
Sondha Aroti (Evening Puja) on the Ganges at Varanasi.
A panoramic view of the Varanasi ghats.
To me it’s not a BLOG…. This is VARANASI…. U can FEEL it, U can SMELL it, U can LIVE it… Its a journey from my one of BEST Photographer….
Very fresh and diverse slice of Varanasi…..really great work…..always waiting eagerly to see more from you and learning a lot…..!!!
Amazing documentation Mr.Saha…loved the ambiance captured …hearty congratulations
Excellent presentation of the rituals and daily life activities of people of Varanasi!!!! Intense observation, feel, thought and skill take this documentation to the Zenith height. Majestic work!!!
Apratim Da as usual it’s the true flavor of Varanasi. You know I was missing the Varanasi for last few months now after seeing these photographs I become little relaxed. Really each and every photograph speaks a story. Thank you for sharing them.
By releasing few words none can express your work. Each and every frame is itself story. I am requesting you to upload few more jewels.
Any of the pics can symbolize the Varanasi, and we get to see a whole story building up through the lens, surround the mythology on which the city lives. A great cityscape and specially the picture of the traditional holy city emerged through the glimpse of the shots beautifully composed with an outstanding frame to make them lively.
You have a great vision.Your work fascinates me on so many levels. Please keep it up for us.
khuuub….. sundor hoyechhe album ta. darunnnnn
So nice to see your work again. It has been too long. Wonderful images!
The journey of a true legend…the glimpse of varanasi….
Hats off to u sir for sharing ur signature with us…
I do not know what to comment. these are not only ur shots, these are like text book of a student like me. color, light, story, culture and religion…..u’ve touched every aspect of true Varanasi…..kudos to u…..
Just like LORD SHIVA has 3 eyes so do Apratim SAHA. And through this we see how his thrid eye makes us see varanasi and all its colours. It’s a picturesque, You can find story going inside story, you can feel the rythm, and how life goes there. Truely magnificient and something to learn.
Awesome Photography… feel proud that you r from Siliguri, I like your work & dedication, its amazing. Every thing is perfect..
FABULOUS details… intensity… beauty… sublime atmosphere of faith… mystical culture… adorable ritual of faith… absolutely adorable… not have words dor all details… superb…
Thank you for this beautiful and marvelous pictures .. nice composition.. Simply superb…
Great colors !
Evergreen photos. Already a classic
Stunning work from a great photographer….please visit http://www.lifeforcemagazine.com ‘back issues’ to see more of Apratim Saha iconic work…Damian Bird: Editor LIFE FORCE magazine
THE TRUE SPIRIT OF VARANASI IS FOUND TO BE VERY MUCH THERE IN YOUR ALBUM. IT HAS BEEN CAPTURED IN ALL POSSIBLE ANGLES AND ALL ASPECTS. CAN WE EXPECT A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FORTHCOMING KUMBH MELA ?
Yeah as you know I’ll be there and ‘ll try to capture the event.
Superb photography.. beautiful series of Varanasi life…great..
Anyone can visit Varanasi through your blog here, as it is enriched with every aspect & essence of the place. Great salute to you & your work as always. We will be waiting for your fantastic masterpieces coming year. wish you & your family happy & prosperous new year. Valo theko Dada
Amazing collection and very inspiring too!
Its a series of wonderful photos of a holy city that we can see through your lens….I can say its an excellent photographic album which brings the essence of the place through your lens.
Good One .. Well captured with good write up ..
Wonderful series on a fascinating city. Creatively and technically stunning work…..strong composition and use of selective focus are inspirational. Thank you.
Visit at your blog is better then my visit at Varansi. It insisting me to visit multiple time to your blog and Varanasi. Your blog is more than an inspiration to me. Many thanks for sharing wit us.
Fantastic collection .
Just fabulous….these pictures just increasing the passion of photography among us who are just beginners…
I loved the story telling in your pictures. Peculiarly the layered way of composing, and great control over the light and sharpness. I also returned from Banaras some time back, would love to hear your words on the blog post though….will let you know once it is up.