I spent a week in Varanasi working with my mentor David DuChemin, building a body of work in this fascinating place. David’s emphasis is on “going deeper” and slowing down. Taking the time to get the pictures that show an essence of what is there.

My intent in this portfolio was to convey aspects of interacting with the sacred water in Varanasi.

Worshippers send votive offerings onto the river, and for many pilgrims the experience of the water is immersive. People collect water to offer at riverside shrines or in small containers for private use. People also have contemplative moments beside the river at sunrise.

The spiritual importance of the Ganges and its water is emphasised by the man who every morning carries an urn from the river to a temple. He begins with his own devotions at the river and then makes a dozen trips up and down the many steps carrying the sacred water.

For many the river is a place of work or domestic activity. Ablutions and personal laundry are performed, boats await the many pilgrims, Brahmins wait to offer blessings – and those hotel sheets won’t launder themselves!