I visited the burning Ghats today and saw several funerals taking place. The added heat of several cremations burning up to 250 KG of wood per body, was not really appreciated. Of course I was grabbed by a ‘guide’ who wanted to talk to me through the entire affair, hassle me for money for his poor persons cremation ‘charity’ and then call me a “mean man,” when I only gave him 5 rupees. I don’t have any pictures as you are not allowed, and frankly who wants to see anymore images of burning human flesh?
I have discovered some interesting facts about the Great Mother Ganga. Apparently, and to no surprise of those who have been here, the river is greatly polluted to the point of serious government concern (which in India really means something). The water is septic and contains 1,500,000 faecal coliform bacteria per 100ml. That is 3,000 times the suggested limit for bathing!!! 60,000 people bathe in it per day and there are over 30 large sewers dumping directly into it. They have begun to battle the pollution by creating some sewage treatment plants and some electric crematoriums. However these are apparently to blame for all of the blackouts that happen here. Somewhat reminiscent of the prison lights flickering during an execution.
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