Stayed for one night in Varanasi after finishing the activity of Sārnāth yesterday , we would stay here this morning to experience the Indians' life with relaxed mood. It could see the true Indian religion and custom here because Varanasi is the important city of holy river Ganga River of India. Since we left Taiwan up to this day just one week, there still was a more arduous journey that had to go backward, so we arranged the simple and convenient travel this morning. What you see in my Blog articles and photographs everybody, it is I that spend vacation of New Year to write after coming back to Taiwan recently, in fact the theme of Buddha's holy place is too serious, so I want with more light mood today to introduce the conditions and customs of Ganga River to everybody.

　　Varanasi is called Banaras again, full of shrines of Hinduism and mosque of Islam everywhere, there are many celebration and ceremony of Hinduism are going on all the year round. Certainly mention here that can refer to Ganga River. The name of the Ganga River is known all throughout the land of India. This river runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal. This river is life, purity, and a goddess Ganges to Indian more than just flowing water. The river also is known as the mother of Indian whose name is Ganga Ma (Mother Ganges). Her name and story are known all throughout the land. It is the story that she poured herself down from heaven upon the ashes of King Sarga's sons. Her waters would raise them up again to dwell in peace in heaven. Even today are said that not only but anyone who touches these purifying waters would be cleansed of all sins.

　　As soon as one day begins the devout Hindus begin to give their offerings of flowers or food, and throw handfuls of grain or garlands of marigolds or pink lotuses into the river. Others will float small oil lamps on its surface. In cupped hands they will also take the ritual drink of the goddess Ganges and then fill a container to take with them to the temple. On great festival occasions Hindus ford the river in boats and shouting "Ganga Mata Ki Jai!" (Victory to Mother Ganges!) Whether pilgrims or residents, every morning there are thousands of Hindus make their way into the holy water of the Ganges to take a bath. All of them face the rising sun with folded hands prayers. It is Ganga River that has carries an immense cultural and religious meaning for Hindus.