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Wood for cremation. Varanasi, originally uploaded by entrelec.

All around Manikarnika ghat is the wood business for the cremations. Different qualities are proposed, but even with the baddest, it's really a problem for many families.

Varanasi located on the West bank of the River Ganga in India, is often called the City of Death. According to Hindu belief it is said to be the most auspicious place to die and have one’s remains submersed in the river. Varanasi also known as holy city where hundreds of old and sick await death on this final outcrop of the mortal world. According to legend the city was founded by the hindu deity, Lord Siva around 5,000 years ago, thus making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus.