This city is worthy of a thousand words, but I'll only share a few and let the photos tell you the rest. Varanasi displays the stark contrast of life and death living side by side in all aspects of daily life. It is quite apparent once you step foot here that this is like no other place on earth. Known as both one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and as one of the holiest cities in India, pilgrims flock here by the thousands. They come to offer their prayers, be cleansed of their sins and of course to die. To die here for the Hindus is a direct path to heaven and escape from the circle of reincarnation and life on earth. The ceremonies carried out by the families of the deceased will have a profound impact on anyone who witnesses them. Having experienced all this personally, these images will be forever burned into my memory. May these photos take you on an enjoyable journey through this unique and ancient city.