Varanasi

Varanasi, India, is a street photographer’s paradise due to its vibrant and diverse scenes that offer endless opportunities for capturing powerful and unique images. Here are some reasons why Varanasi stands out as one of the best places for street photography:

Rich Cultural and Spiritual Atmosphere:

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major spiritual hub for Hindus. The city is often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, attracting pilgrims from all over the country. The daily rituals, ceremonies, and prayers performed along the banks of the Ganges River create a visually and emotionally rich environment that street photographers can capture. From sunrise rituals to evening aartis (prayer ceremonies), Varanasi offers a glimpse into deeply rooted traditions.

Diverse and Vibrant Streets:

The narrow, winding streets of Varanasi are alive with activity. From street vendors selling colorful goods, to sadhus (holy men) draped in saffron robes, to locals going about their daily lives, the streets of Varanasi offer a dynamic backdrop for storytelling. The contrast between the ancient architecture and the bustling street life creates compelling compositions that are a dream for any photographer.

The Ganges River and Ghats:

The ghats (stepped embankments) along the Ganges River are iconic in Varanasi. They are where life and death converge, with rituals ranging from daily bathing to cremations happening in the open. The energy here is palpable, offering profound moments to capture. The early morning light on the river, the mist, and the silhouettes of people performing rituals create stunning visual opportunities.

Contrasts and Paradoxes:

Varanasi is a city of contrasts—modernity exists alongside ancient traditions, life and death are intertwined, and serenity coexists with chaos. This juxtaposition offers photographers the chance to explore themes of continuity, change, and the coexistence of opposites. Capturing these paradoxes can result in powerful images that tell the complex story of Varanasi.

People and Portraiture:

The people of Varanasi are often open and welcoming, making it a fantastic place for portrait photography. The city is home to a diverse range of individuals, from priests and pilgrims to boatmen and artisans. Each person has a unique story, and their faces reflect the rich tapestry of life in this ancient city. Whether candid shots or posed portraits, the people of Varanasi offer endless inspiration.

Color and Texture:

Varanasi is a visual feast of colors and textures. From the vivid saris worn by women to the faded hues of the city’s old buildings, every corner offers a new palette. The contrast between the earthy tones of the ghats and the vibrant fabrics and decorations makes for visually striking compositions.

Dynamic Lighting:

The lighting in Varanasi changes dramatically throughout the day. The soft, golden light of sunrise over the Ganges creates beautiful shadows and silhouettes, while the midday sun illuminates the bustling streets. The evening aarti ceremonies are a spectacle of fire and light, offering opportunities for dramatic, atmospheric shots.

In summary, Varanasi’s unique blend of spirituality, culture, history, and human activity makes it one of the best places in the world for street photography. The city’s ability to evoke deep emotions, combined with its visually rich environment, provides endless opportunities to capture compelling and meaningful images.

TOP LOCATIONS

Varanasi is a treasure trove for street photography, offering a diverse range of scenes that capture the essence of this ancient city. Here are the top 5 locations in Varanasi for street photography:

The Ghats (Especially Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika Ghats)

Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is one of the most iconic and busiest ghats in Varanasi. It’s known for its vibrant energy, especially during the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. The combination of fire, smoke, and devotion creates a visually stunning spectacle that is perfect for capturing dramatic street scenes.

Manikarnika Ghat: This is one of the most sacred ghats, where cremations take place around the clock. While photographing here requires sensitivity, it offers a profound opportunity to capture the rituals surrounding life and death in Varanasi.

The Narrow Lanes of the Old City

The labyrinthine alleys of Varanasi’s old city are a street photographer’s dream. These narrow lanes are filled with local life—vendors selling everything from flowers to spices, children playing, sadhus meditating, and cows wandering freely. The textures, colors, and chaotic energy in these lanes provide endless opportunities for candid photography and storytelling.

Assi Ghat

Located at the southern end of the city, Assi Ghat is a bit more tranquil compared to the busier ghats. It’s a great spot for morning photography, as it’s where locals and pilgrims start their day with rituals and yoga by the river. The early morning light creates beautiful silhouettes and reflections, making it a perfect location for capturing serene moments in the city.

Vishwanath Temple Area

The area around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred and busiest parts of Varanasi. The narrow streets leading to the temple are full of pilgrims, vendors, and sadhus, providing rich opportunities for capturing the intensity of religious devotion. The juxtaposition of ancient traditions with the lively street life here makes for powerful images.

Traditional Wrestling in Varanasi


In Varanasi, early morning wrestling, known as kushti, is a traditional practice that takes place in mud pits called akhadas. Local wrestlers, or pahalwans, gather at dawn to train in this ancient sport, which combines physical strength with spiritual discipline. The practice is deeply rooted in Indian culture, blending elements of martial arts, yoga, and meditation. Watching the wrestlers perform their rigorous routines in the soft morning light, with a backdrop of ancient temples and the Ganges River, provides a unique and powerful glimpse into a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Some of the best locations where you can find these akhadas are:

Tulsi Akhada:

Located near Tulsi Ghat, this is one of the most well-known akhadas in Varanasi. Wrestlers gather here early in the morning to train in the mud pits, continuing a tradition that has been alive for centuries.

Ramnagar Akhada:

Across the Ganges River in Ramnagar, you can find another traditional akhada. The area is more rural, offering a quieter setting where wrestlers engage in their daily practice.

Kashi Akhada:

Situated in the heart of the city, near the old neighborhoods, Kashi Akhada is a historic place where local wrestlers train. It’s a great spot to witness the blend of tradition and physical prowess.

Assi Akhada:

Located near Assi Ghat, this akhada is another hub for kushti in Varanasi. It’s known for its morning training sessions, where young and seasoned wrestlers alike gather to hone their skills.

These akhadas offer a unique glimpse into the traditional sport and are fascinating places for street and documentary photography.

Other Locations in Varanasi worth exploring

While the ghats of Varanasi are undoubtedly iconic, there are several fascinating locations away from the riverbanks that offer rich opportunities for street and travel photography. Here are some of the best spots:

The Old City (Chowk and Vishwanath Gali): The narrow, bustling lanes of Varanasi’s old city, particularly around the Chowk and Vishwanath Gali, are filled with vibrant street life. These areas are packed with small shops, colorful bazaars, and local eateries, making them ideal for capturing the daily hustle and bustle. The architectural details and the interplay of light and shadow in these narrow lanes also provide compelling compositions.

Weavers’ District (Lohatia and Madanpura): Varanasi is famous for its Banarasi silk sarees, and the weavers’ district is where much of this intricate work takes place. The neighborhoods of Lohatia and Madanpura are filled with workshops where artisans weave these beautiful fabrics by hand. This area offers a glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship and the hardworking lives of the weavers, perfect for documentary-style photography.

Godowlia Market: is one of the busiest commercial areas in Varanasi. It’s a vibrant and chaotic marketplace where you can capture street vendors, colorful textiles, and the lively energy of local shoppers. The market’s chaotic charm, with its mix of old and new, provides endless photographic opportunities.

Paan and Chai Shops: are scattered throughout the city and offer a glimpse into the social life of Varanasi. These spots are perfect for capturing candid moments as locals gather to chat over a cup of chai or prepare their favorite paan. The vibrant colors of the shops and the relaxed atmosphere make for excellent street photography subjects.

Kachauri Gali: is a narrow street famous for its street food, especially kachauri (a deep-fried snack). The food stalls here are bustling with activity, offering a chance to capture the culinary traditions of Varanasi. The sights, sounds, and aromas of the street food scene provide a rich sensory experience that translates beautifully into photographs.

Ramnagar Town: Across the Ganges from Varanasi, Ramnagar offers a more rural and laid-back vibe. The streets around Ramnagar Fort are less crowded, and you can photograph local life in a quieter setting. The traditional architecture and slower pace of life provide a different perspective on the region.

Assi and Lanka Neighborhoods: particularly around Assi Ghat. While the ghat itself is popular, wandering deeper into these areas reveals lively streets filled with students, artists, and locals. The mix of traditional and modern life makes these areas great for capturing the cultural diversity of Varanasi.

Exploring these areas away from the ghats allows you to delve deeper into the everyday life of Varanasi, capturing scenes that are equally rich in culture and tradition but often less photographed.

Info

Mark Seymour is world renowned documentary photographer, His work has been featured in National Geographic and he is a Three time winner of UK wedding photographer of the year. The first Nikon UK ambassador for unposed documentary wedding photography. And the first photographer to be awarded a double Fellowship & Master Craftsman photographer (akin to 3 Michelin stars)by his industry peers.
His work appears in the National Portrait Gallery and he teaches courses on Street and travel photography

Mark Seymour Photography
Phone 07786 377197