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Kashi: Between Life and Liberation

byTanmay KamatkarShoots across Mumbai; travels pan-India for projectsStarts from₹8,000 per sessionView full gallery

In Varanasi, I chase the soul of the city, from the quiet sunrise on the Ganga to the profound chaos of the ghats. This collection explores the ancient cycle of life, death, and faith that defines Kashi.

A cinematic reel capturing the finality and continuity at Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat of Varanasi. The visuals reflect on the concept of 'Maya' or illusion, showing that nothing in this world is permanent.

An overhead view of Manikarnika Ghat, showing the constant activity of funeral pyres and grieving families. The image, titled 'The burning ghat of Varanasi', serves as an introduction to this profound place.

This series of images with text overlays explains the beliefs surrounding Manikarnika Ghat. They detail the path to liberation (moksha), the eternal flames, and Lord Shiva's role in guiding souls.

This series of images with text overlays explains the beliefs surrounding Manikarnika Ghat. They detail the path to liberation (moksha), the eternal flames, and Lord Shiva's role in guiding souls.

This series of images with text overlays explains the beliefs surrounding Manikarnika Ghat. They detail the path to liberation (moksha), the eternal flames, and Lord Shiva's role in guiding souls.

This series of images with text overlays explains the beliefs surrounding Manikarnika Ghat. They detail the path to liberation (moksha), the eternal flames, and Lord Shiva's role in guiding souls.

This series of images with text overlays explains the beliefs surrounding Manikarnika Ghat. They detail the path to liberation (moksha), the eternal flames, and Lord Shiva's role in guiding souls.

This video explores the belief that Lord Shiva himself whispers the 'Tarak mantra' into the ears of the dead at Manikarnika, freeing them from the cycle of rebirth. It combines visuals of the ghat with a narrative about this sacred promise.

A short, atmospheric video titled 'KARAM' reflecting on the cycle of life and death as seen on the ghats of Kashi. It blends scenes of daily life with the stark reality of the burning pyres.

A poignant video from Manikarnika Ghat, where people come to die in the hope of attaining salvation. The visuals capture the solemn atmosphere and the deep-seated faith that defines this unique place.

About Kashi: Between Life and Liberation

Photographing the ghats requires more than just a camera; it demands patience, a low profile, and respect for the environment. I shoot these moments primarily with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, focusing on natural light to capture the raw atmosphere of Manikarnika without intrusive flash equipment. If you are looking for this level of authentic, candid documentary coverage for your own story or project, let's discuss how we can approach it.

Capturing raw cultural stories across India — Approved by the tribe
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Tanmay Kamatkar

Shoots across Mumbai; travels pan-India for projectsStarts from ₹8,000 per session

I am a filmmaker and photographer who believes that every journey tells a story worth keeping. I do not stage moments; I simply wait for them to reveal themselves, whether I am documenting ancient traditions in Varanasi or the quiet corners of Mumbai.

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A silhouette of a boat filled with people on the Ganga, surrounded by a flock of birds. This black and white image captures the energy and movement of life on the river.
A single gull in flight over the Ganga, with the ancient city of Varanasi blurred in the background. This color photograph captures the freedom and spirit of the place.
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A wide night shot of Manikarnika Ghat, with multiple pyres burning against the dark waters of the Ganga. This image captures the scale of the ongoing cremation rituals that make this place a center of Hindu faith.13
A worker at Manikarnika Ghat tends to a funeral pyre at night. The low light and high contrast highlight the difficult and essential work involved in these final rites, a core part of my documentary series on Varanasi.
A daytime cremation ceremony surrounded by onlookers. I captured this scene to show the public and communal nature of the rituals, where grief and duty are performed openly on the ghats.
A close-up of a funeral pyre with the Ganga river in the background. The focus here is on the raw power of the fire itself, an element that is both destructive and purifying in Hindu tradition.

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Smoke from cremation pyres fills the air at Manikarnika Ghat. This documentary photo captures the intensity of the final rites, a powerful part of the journey towards moksh.4
Mourners and onlookers gather around a funeral pyre on the ghats. This frame shows the public, communal nature of these final rituals in Banaras.
A man stands watching the pyres, his back to the camera. This shot focuses on the personal, contemplative side of being at the ghats, a moment of reflection amidst the smoke.
A crow, considered a messenger for ancestors during Pitru Paksha, stands next to a floral offering on a wall at the Yamuna Ghat. It's a symbolic moment of connection.

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Three sadhus on a boat in the Ganga, surrounded by morning mist and migratory birds. It’s a classic Banaras scene, full of peace and a sense of timelessness.34
The unforgettable Monkey Baba of Varanasi, holding his companion. Their bond was legendary on the ghats, a story of friendship that I was privileged to document before they passed.
A moment of quiet contemplation as young Batuks, or student monks, sit in perfect formation on the steps of a Varanasi ghat. The single figure in red is their teacher, a beacon of knowledge.
An Aghori sadhu performs a ritual with a skull and fire while floating on the Ganga at sunset. This is one of the most intense and visually striking spiritual practices I've ever witnessed.

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A black and white silhouette of a boatman steering his vessel through the foggy waters of the Yamuna. The image has a timeless, serene quality, capturing the quiet dedication of his work.34
A dynamic black and white shot of a boy leaping into the Ganga at Varanasi. The image freezes the motion, capturing a moment of youthful exuberance against the backdrop of river life.
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An aerial night view of the Ganga Aarti, showing the ghats packed with devotees and the river filled with boats. The entire scene glows, creating a symphony of light and spirit.

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