Holy city of the Hindus in Uttar Pradesh,
India, on the river Ganges; population (1981)
794,000. There are 1,500 golden shrines, and
a 5- km/3-mi frontage to the Ganges with
sacred stairways (ghats) for purification by
bathing. At the burning ghats, the ashes of
the dead are scattered on the river to ensure
a favourable reincarnation. There are two
universities 1916 and 1957.