A Very Different Way to Say 'Goodbye'

A 15 minute walk from the hotel is one if Kathmandus holiest of temples, Pashupatinath. I was in two minds as to whether to make the trip as it's where they perform open air cremations; however I'm glad I decided to go. Along the river Bagmati are dozens of Hindu temples and cremation ghats. The ghats are platforms where the family of the deceased prepare the body by removing all clothing and bathing it in the waters of the river- to cleanse any sins- then the body is wrapped, apart from the head, and placed on a funeral pyre. In full view of all the family the fire is lit by the eldest son and farewells are said. I kept a respectful distance, but you can see the smoke in this photo 

To me and I guess most westerners, this seems a really horrific ordeal for the family. Nevertheless the Hindu religion and their views on life and death, prepares the family for this ritual and, for them, it is perfectly natural. Quite amazing. 

Because of its religious significance the area is a magnet for Sadhus, men who give up their worldly goods and embark on a spiritual search - but they do like you to tip them in return for photos!!

There are approximately 150 cremations a day and the whole area is crowded with families and tourists, making it feel like a festival rather than a sad place to say 'Goodbye'. Makes you think.