Arti Part 2: On the waterfront

Here we are at the edge of the Ganga, at Dashashwamedh Ghat before the prayer started. In the third picture you can see the brahmin priests getting ready for the production, which is truly the right word for it. This is by far the most touristy place in Varanasi. Which is why we were accosted by various people trying to buy things. It is very common to have at least 5 people at a time asking you to visit their shop, buy postcards, or buy other souvenirs, they all tell you that they have the best prices, the best quality, the most selection. So when a guy came up to us to advertise his "shitty shop",we were shocked. Let me remind everyone that Indian people are not known for their sarcasm. This guy had clearly been taught this trick, sort of like the hobos on the street whose signs ask for beer, so he did not have the intonation down quite right. Between that and being accustomed enough to India, it is as if he actually came up to us and told us he sold horse shit and cow shit and other shitty things. I was scandalized. Luckily we were ushered on to a boat before too long. More on that tomorrow.

Love,

Violet

P.S. Happy Birthday to Grandpa from India!!