Know by many names Varanasi is said to be the only city on earth to be continuously inhabited for 16'000 years. Benaras (or Benares) is the ‘Ras’ (taste or essence) of 'Bena' (all things mixed together). Kasi (The City of Light), Avimukta (Never Abandoned), or what is now called Varanasi (between the Varuna and the Assi Rivers). Varanasi is a holy town for Hindus and some other religions. Those, who can afford a sum of around 3 - 5'000 Rp for a cremation at the two burning grounds at the Ganga river will cut short the cycle of rebirth and straight go to heaven. The prospects of the new life are uncertain - it might be a better one, or not at all. It depends on your karma and your conduct. The open handling of dead bodies next to everyday life errands is for westerners quite irritating. Many sensationalist articles take up the death rites in Varanasi. Quite often the story is much exagerated for impact or judgemental based on a different set of values. If you interested in a profound introduction I can recommend the chapter on Hinduism written by Mark Elmore in the book Death And Religion in a Changing World edited by Kathleen Garces-Foley. The fact that the scenery of ordinary daily life is so breathtaking and seemingly exotic creates a sensation which makes you want to explore deeper and understand the concept behind it all.