The flood has affected all 84 ghats, including the prominent cremation sites of Manikarnika and Harishchandra, where steps and lower platforms remain under water.
Cremation Practices Amid Ganga Flooding in Varanasi
Cremations are ongoing at Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, despite the recent flooding that has affected all 84 ghats in the area. On Wednesday, cremations continued on rooftop platforms as the water level of the Ganga has stabilized after previously showing signs of receding.
The flooding has submerged steps and lower platforms at these prominent cremation sites, complicating traditional practices. The situation highlights the resilience of local customs even in the face of natural disasters.
The Ganga’s water level in Varanasi was recorded at 67.97 metres at 8am on Wednesday, according to the bulletin issued by the Central Water Commission. The river has remained stable for the past two days after receding on August 23 and 24. The warning level is 70.262 metres, while the danger mark is 71.262 metres. At present, the water level is about 2.29 metres below the warning level. People associated with cremation work said that on normal days, around 50 bodies can be cremated simultaneously across the available platforms. During the flood, however, the number of funeral pyres that can burn at the same time has fallen to just eight to 10. In view of the flood situation, the local administration has already banned boat operations from August 10.
As a result, families bringing bodies for the last rites are being forced to wait for three to four hours. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Varanasi | Silver Rate in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi | Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Petrol Price in Varanasi | Diesel Price in Varanasi | CNG Price in Varanasi | LPG Price in Varanasi Stay updated with the latest Varanasi news.
Cremations will continue from elevated spots and nearby lanes until the floodwater recedes sufficiently and the traditional cremation platforms become usable again, officials said. Despite the river flowing below the warning level, flooding at the ghats has significantly disrupted cremation arrangements. The reduced space has also created difficulties in managing movement around the cremation areas, particularly in the congested lanes near Harishchandra Ghat. The rise in the water level has also affected the storage and supply of firewood used for cremations. With the lower platforms submerged, stocks of wood have had to be shifted to safer locations, further complicating arrangements at the cremation grounds. Temples situated along the ghats have also been inundated, with floodwater entering several riverfront structures. The submerged steps have restricted access for devotees, priests, residents and workers who depend on the ghats for their daily activities. The restriction was imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during the period of high water levels. normal activity along the ghats remains affected Although the Ganga is currently stable and below the warning level. Download the TOI App.