On Shiva's fingertip - Varanasi, India

• Prize
• Photographer
  Ingo Albrecht, Switzerland
• Studio
  Ingo Albrecht Photography

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India, directly situated at river Ganges, the artery of the country.

Varanasi is not only one of the oldest cities, it is so mystic, that the inhabitants themselves believe, she has not been built on this earth, but would be on the fingertip of Shiva.

Therefore many spiritual groups live in the city. They are meditating, washing themselves in the Ganges and many Hindus wish to be cremated directly at the bench of river Ganges. Therefore there are several fires at every time of the day including some celebrations.

It's an infatuating feast for all the senses.

And it was also hot in Varanasi - 43° when we were there -, therefore I went out photographing very early in the morning (around 4:30 am) or in the evening. Many interesting meetings and talks resulted in inspirational portraits of trader, artists or pilgrims.