Balinese Food Offering, Ubud, Bali
A certain artistic flair comes through in all Balinese food especially that destined for the deities. In their unique blend of Hinduism, ancestor worship and animism, women gracefully transport these pillars of fruit, eggs, flowers, pressed rice and chickens-which may weigh up to 150 pounds-on their heads to local temples throughout the island. Five times each season, Dewri Sri, the rice goddess, receives tribute. She will feast on the essence of the food, the substance is taken home to be eaten later by the spiritual yet practical Balinese.
detail from Ganges River at Dawn, Varanasi, India
This photo was taken at dawn in the holy city of Varanasi, India (formerly known as Benares). The city is sanctified by its site on the mouth of the sacred river Ganges. All members of the Hindu religion wish to visit the city at least once, if only at their deaths, to have their ashes released into the Ganges. Many others bathe, brush their teeth, wash their clothes or make tea -- in these waters. Infants, single men, widows and pox victims are not allowed to be cremated so their bodies are thrown in-- whole.
Saraswati Swimming Association, Varanasi, India
This photo was taken at dawn in the holy city of Varanasi, India (formerly known as Benares). The city is sanctified by its site on the mouth of the sacred river Ganges. All members of the Hindu religion wish to visit the city at least once, if only at their deaths, to have their ashes released into the Ganges. Many others bathe, brush their teeth, wash their clothes or make tea -- in these waters. Infants, single men, widows and pox victims are not allowed to be cremated so their bodies are thrown in-- whole.
Holy Man In A Holy City, Varanasi, India
This photo was taken at dawn in the holy city of Varanasi, India (formerly known as Benares). The city is sanctified by its site on the mouth of the sacred river Ganges. All members of the Hindu religion wish to visit the city at least once, if only at their deaths, to have their ashes released into the Ganges. Many others bathe, brush their teeth, wash their clothes or make tea -- in these waters. Infants, single men, widows and pox victims are not allowed to be cremated so their bodies are thrown in-- whole.
Red or orange is worn by the Hindu holy men who give away all of their possessions and travel around India devoting themselves to religion.
Ganges River Boats, Varanasi, India