Bathing Place, Benares

Pilgrims, washerwomen, and idle wanderers congregate on the river banks of the Ganges. Some face the camera; others continue with their baths and prayers.

Varanasi (also known as Benares) is considered one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, who flock there to take a dip in the Ganges, whose waters they believe to be sacred and to have the ability to wash away sin.

Although images of bathing pilgrims are common in India, this photograph is striking in its eye-level perspective . This creates a juxtaposition of zigzagging lines, leading the viewer's eye from the edge of the photograph towards the pilgrims in the center.

The steps along the river echo this zigzag effect. The image captures a moment, even as it shows the photographer's meticulous attention to detail.