Although you could capture a the deepest emotions in one place, taking photos at a funeral is a big no where I come from. I mean there's no written rule regarding the matter, but that is a time of grief, that must be respected. I wouldn't dare taking photos and would look with strict eyes at someone who would take photos. However, this may not be the case everywhere in the world.
The last photo exhibition I visited, by Botond Nagy, had a whole section about cremation in India. Cremation is done all over the world, but in a different way and I'd be curious to know if there's another country, where cremation is done like in India.
Hindu rituals after death, including Vedic rituals after death, are ceremonial rituals in Hinduism, one of the samskaras (rite of passage) based on Vedas and other Hindu texts, performed after the death of a human being for their moksha and consequent ascendance to Svarga (heaven). Some of these vary across the spectrum of Hindu society. source.
You can read more about the Indian ritual here.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 1
It took me a few seconds to realize what I'm looking at here as first the orange color and flowers was that caught my attention. Than I saw there's someone deceased to be carried on their last road.
From photographic point of view, this is an amazing shot, shot from a very good angle. Most likely the camera was on the ground, or close to the ground.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 2
Even though I've seen documentaries about cremation in India, it's still the first time when I see detailed photos like this.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 3
Reflection was pretty strong here, but you can see the meaning of the photo. Looking at how close the photographer was to the people, I'd say they were ok with the photo being taken. Look at the framing, it's fantastic in my opinion.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 4
Contrary to how it's done in our culture, this operation is carried out by family members and friends. So no matter how deep your grief is, you still have to be strong enough emotionally to do it.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 5
Here you can see that the photographer was in the boat with the family, so he had their permission.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 6
Following the ritual for them is not only normal, but also a must I think. However, for someone coming from a different culture, where cremation is done by specialized companies under totally different circumstances, seeing this can be challenging emotionally. In Europe you don't see the process, you say your final goodbye and prayers, then the company takes care of the rest, behind closed doors. When it's done, you are given an urn and you take home the ashes. You don't see a burning body your whole life, unless there's a fire somewhere but that can leave you with emotional scars for your whole life as it's a traumatic event.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 7
While I was writing this post, was thinking if I would participate in such a ritual, if I had the occasion. Knowing the culture a little, lets you know what to expect, but still, knowing and being there are two different things and you only know how you feel, if you're in it.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 8
Unfortunately these two photos were pretty dark, taken at night, so this was the only angle for me. Both photos are showing the burning process and most likely for me, as a person coming from a totally different culture, this part would be the most difficult.
But looking at the matter professionally, just as emotions have no place in trading, if this would be a job for you, you should put your emotions aside and take the photos.
Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi 9
I hope I'm right but I think these guys are selling wood for the cremation. I've seen in tv that close to the cremation or burial ground, there are people selling wood. Next to them must be the scale, which looks ancient for me, but it serves the purpose I'm sure of that.
I've never been to India and even though it is on my list to visit one day, most likely it won't happen anytime soon. However, if I'll land in India, I won't stay away from this place. Most likely what I will see is going to affect me, more than I can imagine, but I'm not going to miss it. It's part of the culture, so I'll have to see it.
I know we have a lot of users from India, so if you're one, please share your experience, tell me if you cremate those who leave this world and if you do it like this. Would be interesting to know. Drop a comment please and let us know.
For those of you who are not familiar with how burial and cremation is done in Europe for example, let me explain the process in a few words. There are companies specialized in this, they take the deceased, prepare them for the funeral, they organize the wake, they have special room for this and if you opt for cremation, that is their job to organize too.
If you're a newbie, you may want to check out these guides:
