Sacrilege: Varanasi priests warn Ganges luxury cruises could contaminate river.

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Hindu holy men say if mutton or alcohol are served on trips along city’s ghats, it could pollute sacred river.

The Ganges river draws millions of Indian pilgrims and foreign tourists each year. The luxury sunset and sunrise cruise liners are due to start in September. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo
▼ Plans for a new luxury cruise liner on the Ganges river in the holy Hindu city of Varanasi have run into trouble, with priests worried that alcohol and meat will be served to foreign tourists onboard, contravening Hindu custom.
Nordic Cruiseline is due to start the sunrise and sunset trips later this month that will take visitors along all 84 sets of steps – known as ghats – that lead down to the water.
According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva unleashed the Ganges from the knot of his hair and millions  of Indian pilgrims travel long  distancesto immerse themselves in the water at Varanasi each year.
The cruises will include the cremation ghats where bodies are burned as part of Hindu funeral tradition.

Nordi Cruiseline is due to start sunrise and sunset tours along the Ganges’ ghats in September. Photograph: supplied
Manoj Poddar, a director of Nordic Cruiseline, said he had been inspired by prime minister Narendra Modi’s ambitions for the city, which is also his constituency, to start the cruise.
“If the PM is so keen to work for the welfare of the city, I thought I could add my bit by providing a new experience for tourists,” Poddar said. (▪ ▪ ▪)

► Please, read the full note here: Source