harishchandra ghat

Varanasi's iconic Manikarnika and harishchandra ghats, where thousands of cremations occur annually, are undergoing a significant eco-friendly renovation slated for completion by 2026. The project aims to streamline the cremation process, beautify the ghats, and minimize pollution in the Ganga, incorporating a patented technology that reduces wood usage and treats emissions.

A long queue of people waiting to perform the last rite function of dead bodies on Manikarnika Ghat on Sunday was enough to indicate the heavy load of dead bodies that were being carried to the city ghats.

The inception of an electric crematorium at the ancient harishchandra ghat of city was meant to provide pollution free, cost efficient and time saving cremation.

The city has received two ‘Jal Shav-Vahini’ (corpse carrier boats) from Ahemedabad for transportation of bodies to cremation ghats including Manikarnika Ghat and harishchandra ghat.

Despite being cost-efficient, environment friendly and less time consuming, the electric crematorium at harishchandra ghat is lying neglected.

As a swollen Ganga inundates the ghats of Varanasi, even the dead have not been spared.

When TOI visited the ghat to take stock of the conditions on Wednesday, the stepped embankments along the Ganga had withered and caved in.

Along with heaps of wooden logs stacked on platforms and burning of dead bodies on pyres, the harishchandra ghat is also plagued by unchecked and continuous discharge of sewage from partially open drains passing below the renovated electric crematorium.

Banaras' Masaan Holi offers a unique, contemplative celebration with sacred ashes from cremation pyres, unlike the riot of colours elsewhere. Rooted in Shaivite traditions, it symbolizes life's cyclical nature and confronts mortality. While social media has amplified its spectacle, the ritual's profound, existential encounter remains, urging immersion beyond filtered frames.

The funeral pyre has been set, logs and the dead fixed in their place at the holy harishchandra ghat and the family of the deceased has climbed up several stones to fetch embers from the undying fire of Kalu Dom Raja, the legendary keeper of the holy flame.

The city crime branch has uncovered illegal matka activity after arresting three persons involved in the illegal betting circle. About Rs 20,000 put up for betting was found from them.

Manikarnika and harishchandra ghats may soon boast of Mokshada system that promises to maintain a balance between devotion and environment

City's two prominent cremation grounds - Manikarnika and harishchandra ghats - are set to undergo renovation at a cost of Rs 18 crore and Rs 16.86 crore respectively.

The mortal remains of a rifleman of Gorkha regiment Rajesh Khatri martyred in cross border firing by Pakistani army in Kipwara sector in Jammu and Kashmir would be consigned to flames at harishchandra ghat on Friday, just before the arrival of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two-day visit to the city.

Finding a way to handle the Naga sadhus, especially those camping at steps along the river Ganga at Hanuman ghat and others, is proving difficult for the cops.