Editor's Note:
Varanasi (वाराणसी), once known as Benares, or Kashi in ancient times, is located on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, north India. As one of the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, Varanasi is regarded as the Indian spiritual capital. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the city to participate in Hindu ceremonies of worship. Its mystic atmosphere and the unique religious rites of the faithful attract tourists from all over the world.
People attend a cremation on a ghat, a series of stairs leading down to the Ganges in Varanasi, India. Hundreds of cremations take place every day here, as Hindus believe that the river will wash away their sins and bring their spirits up to heaven. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
A Hindu man meditates at the bank of the Ganges in Varanasi, India. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
A Hindu sadhu decorated with white paint and saffron sits on the steps of a ghat near the Ganges in Varanasi, India. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
An elderly Hindu woman has her head shaved as part of the process of spiritual purification in Varanasi, India. Offering hair to God is a common ritual in Hinduism. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
A boy washes his clothes in the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
A man shows his deference to a cow in Varanasi, India. Cows are treated as respected spiritual icons in Hinduism. Photo: Massimo Rumi / Barcroft Images / CFP 
A Hindu sadhu offers spiritual guidance to pilgrims on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India. Sadhus in India usually own few possessions and commonly dress in rags, yet they are highly respected by the people. Photo: CFP 
Thousands of pilgrims attend a Hindu ceremony of worship on a major ghat in Varanasi, India. Photo: CFP 
Hindu priests draw applause from the crowd as they raise sacred flames and sing songs as part of a ceremony of worship on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India. Photo: CFP
