Though officially abolished decades ago, the caste system still profoundly influences life in India. Those born into high castes enjoy greater privileges, while low-caste individuals, like the Doms, ...

Worshippers and tourists sit on boats facing the bank of the Ganges River in the holy Hindu city of Varanasi to watch the Ganga Aarti, a ritual of devotion to the venerated river. Hindu priests wave ...

If you have arrived in Varanasi and wish to experience its charm in just one day, follow this guide to discover what you can see and what you shouldn't miss.

More than 2,000 years ago, a powerful king built a fort on the banks of India's holiest river, on the fringes of what is now a vast industrial city. Today, little of the ancient construction remains, ...

When I arrived in Varanasi, I was clueless. The first thing I did was walk down to the river – the fabled River Ganges, the holiest waters of India. As a novice solo traveler, I innocently put my feet ...

Gulls land on the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, in 2015. (Debal Sen) Sudipta Sen visited Himalayan pilgrim towns along the Ganges River with his family as a 4-year-old, and ingested small teaspoons ...

VARANASI, India — Hindu priests stand on the banks of the Ganges, performing an evening prayer to the river. They wave fire as the sun sets, ring bells and tap on drums. Thousands watch, clap and ...