Photography Students Tour to Varanasi 2014 from ICAT, Chennai

Photography tour to Varanasi was organized by ICAT Design & Media College for the UG Photography and Photography Club students of ICAT, Chennai. During the ten-day trip (8 Dec, 2014 to 18 Dec, 2014), the students enjoyed photographing one of the world’s oldest living cities. They enjoyed the morning and evening boat ride on the Ganges river and marvel at the Ghats, stone steps leading to the riverbank used for centuries by devotees as bathing and cremation sites.

Along with capturing the beauty of Varanasi, the students interacted with the people of Varanasi and learned about India’s ancient spiritual traditions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as they walked through Varanasi’s old city with an expert guide. The most challenging and highlight of Varanasi trip was photographing the Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of light. Watching the Hindu Aarti ceremony on the Ghats from a boat on the Ganges River was spellbinding. The students also visited the Banaras Hindu University and also explored the Sarnath Park, where Buddha devoted his inaugural discourse. Watching devotees chant Sadhu’s prayers while others extend the holy water of the river to the rising sun was an unforgettable experience for the students. Overall, it was a great experience for the Photography students as part of their academics.