बनारस के घाट (खंड) के संपादन कइल जात बा

==Cremation on ghats==
[[File:Burning ghats of Manikarnika, Varanasi.jpg|right|thumb|Cremations in progress at Manikarnika Ghat, [[Varanasi]].]]
In [[Hindu]] traditions, cremation is one of the [[Sanskara (rite of passage)|rites of passage]] and the Ghats of Varanasi are considered one of the auspicious locations for this ritual.<ref>Diana Eck, Banaras - City of Light, {{ISBN|978-0231114479}}, Columbia University Press</ref> At the time of the cremation or "last rites", a "[[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]]" (prayer) is performed. Hymns and mantras are recited during cremation to mark the ritual. The Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are dedicated to the cremation ritual. Annually, less than 2 in 1000 people who die in India, or 25,000 to 30,000 bodies are cremated on various Varanasi Ghats; about an average of 80 per day. This practice has become controversial for the pollution it causes to the river.<ref>S. Agarwal, Water pollution, {{ISBN|978-8176488327}}, APH Publishing</ref> In 1980s, the Government of India funded a Clean Ganges initiative, to address cremation and other sources of pollution along the Ghats of Varanasi. In many cases, the cremation is done elsewhere and only the ashes are dispersed into the river near these Ghats.<ref>Flood, Gavin: ''Rites of Passage'', in: Bowen, Paul (1998). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=_bjmiUSDRkAC Themes and issues in Hinduism]''. Cassell, London. {{ISBN|0-304-33851-6}}. pp. 270.</ref>