DIP Projects
Beyond the Sacred Fires: Business of Cremation and Ganga Aarti in Banaras
Year
2017-18
City
Banaras
State
Uttar Pradesh
Region
North India
Theme
Faith and Religion
The Ganga ghats have over a hundred bodies cremated everyday, in the hope of attaining moksha. The Dom cremators work to keep the pyres burning as a boatful of tourists passes, clicking away silently. This study aims to explore the livelihoods of these cremators. Further, the Ganga Arti performance at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which has the ability to mesmerize an audience of hundreds was also studied from a socio-cultural perspective.
Faculty Mentor

Group Members
Shreya Agarwal, Svankita Arora, Siddhi Ashar, Padmapriya Eunny, Kayannush Gaurd, Saumya Jain, Madhurima Khadilkar, Modak KS, Manojna Lanka, Ragini Rao Manjuluri, Deeksha Napa, Manish Ruparel, Harsh Shah, Arush Wad.