Religious metropolis of India, Varanasi, on the banks of the river Ganga is a fascinating vortex of life, music, art, culture and above all - what most Hindus believe - a gateway to heaven. It is perhaps the subconscious fear, fascination and a streak of innate voyeurism that draws almost all tourists to the cremation ghats in Varanasi. more The elaborate formalities according to the Hindu custom right from the funeral procession arriving at the ghats to the rituals prior to lighting the pyre makes for quite a riveting and disturbing drama. It is not only the dream of every Hindu to make a pilgrimage to Varanasi at least once in their lifetime but it is also a common belief among them that anyone who ends their earthly cycle here is transported straight to heaven.