Every day, at an open-air cremation site along the Bagmati river in Kathmandu, Hindu families come to pay their respects by igniting their dead loved one in celebration of their life. Due to the open, public nature of Pashupatinath Temple & the fact that it is one of the most important and holiest places for the Hindu people in Nepal, hundreds of people witness this spectacle, many times, every day. The Temple is home to all things imaginable. The cornea excision centre is conveniently located on the pyre boardwalk. Shops are open too and they seem to cater to funeral attendees' every need. Cows wade in the putrid river at the foot of the pyres. Sadhus (Nepalese holy men), each on their own spiritual journey, wander the concourse. They are colourful, mystical and well versed on the possibility of putting a couple of Rupees in their pocket in exchange for a photograph or two. It is an experience you won't want to miss when visiting Nepal.

Grant/TheNYBureau