In Photos: The Varanasi of the Ordinary

A photo story of the faces of Varanasi that are often forgotten.

One content self and many baskets.

(Photo: Athar Rather/The Quint) 

The word ‘Varanasi’ sparks visions of ghats and sadhus in saffron huddled around places of worship; But as a wanderer in the ancient city, I wanted to document the stories of the individual faces that made up the map of this place — the residents, the daily wage labourers, the beggars — faces that are often forgotten as soon as they are spotted.

Men who carry the burden with smile.

An uneasy sight on a busy street of Varanasi.

Story of balance.

A moment of calm amid the chaos.

Encountering a still hand as the maddening crowd swirls past.

The lens sees all.

Uncommon sight of a commoner.

The thin yellow line divides the frame.

Sleeping under the sun.

The Gods are watching.

Two men pose, one on a poster, one off it – when the old and the new meet. 

Mornings on the Varanasi ghat, 

The shadows of Varanasi.