‘Respect the Dead’

Everytime you go to where cremation takes place someone will approach you.
“Please respect the dead. And the family of the dead. Please don’t take pictures.”

Yes I get that. Funerals are private affairs. But in Varanasi, the 24/7 burning pyres where the deads are laid to rest, are on the ghats (steps) of Ganges River. The river banks are public spaces. The ceremonies attract people like me.

At one burning ghat, the guy who reminds us of being respectful tells us that he’s been doing the job of cremating the deads more than 30 years. All for free because most of them were poor.

He continues that we can still take photos or videos. But we need permission. He says a few years back a German was permitted to capture the ceremonies in video because he agreed to pay. OK pal. I get it. Respect the deads unless you pay.

At another burning ghat, a young guy reminds us the same. Respect the deads and family members of the deads by not taking photos or videos.

“Would you like to buy hash?” he asks, soon after reminding us.

Respect the deads.