India: Immerse yourself in city of the dead that’s full of life

The humdrum lives alongside the holy in Varanasi, the oldest city in India, and where Hindus believe dying gives liberation from incarnation, writes Isabel Conway.

Plumes of smoke rise from where the burning ceremonies are beginning.

Sunrise turns the murky river molten gold and a procession carries the body wrapped in white and yellow cloth down the steps to the river.