Cremation

While in Nepal, I had the privilege of observing an important Hindu rite of passage - the cremation. Upon death, Hindus are brought to this area, an area made special because of its proximity to surrounding temples. In fact, the terminally ill often hang around this place, wanting to be near the temple when they die. This is believed to bring greater blessing in their future life.

The following pictures show the process of cremation. The body is brought to this area, wrapped in white. Various rituals are performed with flowers, food, and prayers offered up to the gods. The body is placed upon a platform and burned for 3 hours in a wood-only fire. The ashes are swept into the the adjacent holy river. Boys sift through the riverbed rocks and sand, looking for gold that once functioned as jewelry or teeth. The river flows slowly but steadily, carrying away the remains of one who once lived, breathed, laughed, cried, smiled, and walked on this earth. I stand there silent, my heart heavy and my soul troubled by the darkness and sadness that permeates the invisible as the smoke does the visible.