English: In Varanasi, some 40,000 cremations are performed each year, most on wood pyres that do not completely consume the body. Along with the remains of these traditional funerals, there are thousands more who cannot afford cremation and whose bodies are simply placed into the Ganges.

The Manikarnika Cremation Ghat, is the most auspicious place to be cremated in Varanasi. The well at the ghat is called Manikarnika Kund and was built by Lord Vishnu.

At each place there is a fire burning (smoke) someone is being cremated, this happen day and night. Cremation takes place shortly after death. The eldest son makes the arrangements (women are not allowed at the site), the body is dipped into the Ganges after it dries, the wood is purchased and arranged and the body placed upon it for burning.

In a typical ceremony it takes 600 to 880 pounds of wood burning for 6 hours to complete a cremation and the wood is not cheap.