Esther's photos

Animal powered vehicles were still popular in Varasani, India AIMG_9811

Varasani, India AIMG_9814

School is not mandatory in Varasani, India and parents often bring their children with them while they work. AIMG_9806

Almost every truck in India is decorated. AIMG_9808

A Nepali man making a pilgramage to Sarnath, India AIMG_9782

Mural on a wall of the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, a monastery built in in the 1930's in Sarnath, India. Sarnath is approximately12 kilometers from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi. It is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha for pilgrimage. AIMG_9766

Inside the Mulagandhakuti Vihara,a monastery built in in the 1930's in Sarnath, India. Sarnath is approximately12 kilometers from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi. It is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha for pilgrimage. AIMG_9769

A security guard at the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, a monastery built in in the 1930's in Sarnath, India. It is a bit scary to see someone in street clothing toting a rifle, but no one else seemed put out by it. I photographed him from a distance, since I make it my practice never to annoy people with guns. Sarnath is approximately12 kilometers from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi. It is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha for pilgrimage. AIMG_9771

Cremation ghats on the Ganges at Varanasi, India. This was a nightshot without flash taken from a rowboat at a respectful distance so the movement of the boat is apparently. However, I liked the way it came out. Varanasi is considered to be a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is viewed as the holiest place in the world by Hindus who believe that it was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. AIMG_9741