Nearly 90 sets of steps, or Ghats, leading into the Holy Ganges River dot the shores of the ancient city of Varanasi. But none are holier, and more important in Hindu rites than Manikarnika Ghat, or colloquially known as the Burning Ghat.

These are the cremation grounds where Hindus believe that their souls will rest in perpetual peace upon their earthly demise, end the cycle of rebirth, and allow the soul to reach nirvana. The reality of these holy grounds is austere, dark, eerie, and almost Faustian, with symmetrically arranged piles of logs in key locations around the Ghat and stalls open for business offering services associated with the cremation process. This is a 24-hour operation, cremating the bodies of over 100 people a day.

As dark, and creepy as it may seem to many from the West, there is a strange sense of energy in the Manikarnika Ghat. The bodies are brought to the burning grounds shrouded in colorful silks, and flowers, a strong contrast to the dark surroundings.

An official Indian Government website states that Manikarnika Ghat “is awe-inspiring for visitors to see the hectic activity for the preparation of funerals so publicly, but photography is strictly taboo”.