Cremation sites

Today we also went to one of the ghats that is a sacred cremation site for Hindus. It was an uncomfortable place for me.  People believe that dying here in Varanasi ensures a clear pathway, if they don't come here to die, families will often bring the bodies here from other parts. I have seen more dead bodies in the weeks here then ever in my life.  They carry the bodies through the tight alley ways on a wooden stretcher to this spot where the family selects the wood and the eternal fire, the better the wood the more expensive the cremation. They have it down to a science, about three hours per body. They cremate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are only men allowed on the site and typically the oldest male relative accompanies the body. The ashes are spread in the Ganges.  The cremation is done by the untouchable cast (contrary to what the Indian government says the caste system is alive and well.) You can pay one of the guys standing around to take up to where the pyres are built, smoke billowing off. I politely declined.