Though officially abolished decades ago, the caste system still profoundly influences life in India. Those born into high castes enjoy greater privileges, while low-caste individuals, like the Doms, ...

Their lives are deeply entwined with the river Ganges, but Varanasi’s mallah community say they have been overlooked, reports Uday Narayanan. Varanasi, India. ‘Hum paani ke jeev hain. We are creatures ...

Some Hindus believe they can break out of the cycle of rebirth if they die and are cremated in the city. Down by the Ganges River, about 100 people are cremated every day across the city. Every day, ...

VARANASI, India — Hindu priests stand on the banks of the Ganges, performing an evening prayer to the river. They wave fire as the sun sets, ring bells and tap on drums. Thousands watch, clap and ...

Varanasi rests on the banks of the Ganges River, in one of India’s poorest states, Uttar Pradesh. In Hinduism, it is the holiest of sacred cities. Passing away on the modest steps beside the river is ...

When I arrived in Varanasi, I was clueless. The first thing I did was walk down to the river – the fabled River Ganges, the holiest waters of India. As a novice solo traveler, I innocently put my feet ...