ghats of Varanasi, India, along the Ganges River

ghats of Varanasi, India, along the Ganges River. A wide, red stone staircase with decorative patterns descends to the murky water. Several people are visible on the steps, some sitting and conversing, others standing. One person in a white dress stands at the bottom of the stairs. Buildings with a mix of architectural styles, including temples with conical roofs, line the riverbank behind the ghat. A large, modern floodlight is mounted on a tall pole in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy. The water level appears high, reaching up the lower steps of the ghat.