How many bodies are burned per day at Varanasi?

Varanasi: With an unprecedented mortality rate due to COVID-19, the cremation grounds in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh are reeling under huge pressure of cremating nearly 100-150 bodies a day.

What city is most sacred to the Hindus in life and in death?

For Hindus, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in the world. When the Pandava princes, the five protagonists of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, won a deadly war of succession against their cousins, they journeyed to Kashi, also known as Benares or Varanasi, to atone for their wartime sins.

Who gets cremated at Varanasi?

The Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are dedicated to the cremation ritual. Annually, less than 2 in 1000 people who die in India, or 25,000 to 30,000 bodies are cremated on various Varanasi Ghats; about an average of 80 per day. This practise has become controversial for the pollution it causes to the river.

What is a funeral fire called?

A pyre (Ancient Greek: πυρά; pyrá, from πῦρ, pyr, “fire”), also known as a funeral pyre, is a structure, usually made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite or execution. As a form of cremation, a body is placed upon or under the pyre, which is then set on fire.

Which is the holiest city of India?

Varanasi is the holiest of all and it is favorite to lord Shiva, thus it is often referred as City of Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, one should visit the major temples in Varanasi in his/her life. Ujjain, also known by the ancient name Avanti, has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas installed in the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Why do old people go to Varanasi?

For centuries, thousands have landed in this city to spend their final days. It is believed that if a person dies in Varanasi—defined as the old city between the rivers Varuna and Assi—he will be redeemed of all sins by Lord Shiva on the cremation pyre.

How many cremations take place in the Ganges in Varanasi?

Estimates say 100,000 bodies of various cremation levels are tossed into the Ganges each year.

Should we celebrate death?

Grieving the loss of a loved one is important. It’s a necessary emotional reaction that, in its own way, helps us celebrate life. However, it’s important not to lose ourselves in our grief. Instead of mourning the death of you’re loved one, celebrate their life.