One thing that is
impossible to convey is the pure hell that constituted our forty minute tuk-tuk
ride from the river to our hotel. The street is choked full of every kind of
vehicle imaginable, and everyone is blowing their horn, constantly. The vehicles operate according to Outback
Steakhouse: “No rules, just rights,” as they swerve, cut off, and pass each other in an endless frenzy. Traffic
runs 4-5 abreast down lanes at most could fit two cars. Between the noise and the exhaust fumes and
the traffic joining the burning bodies along the shores of the Ganges sounds
like a pretty good idea
A ghat is one of the
passages/entrances to the river. There are about twenty of them along the mile
or so stretch that is the most populated part of the Ganges. Along it you will
encounter as wide a variety of humanity as you will anywhere: Religious devotees
taking a dip, beggars, children, begging children, holy men, widows, goats,
stray dogs, tourists, lots of tourists. Atop the ghats are temples of all
shapes and forms, most of them dedicated to the god Shiva. There is even one
famous spot along the river where bodies are burned.
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