Varanasi Fruit Market

On the way connecting Varanasi to Sarnath Buddhist sanctuary, there is a large fruit and vegetable market called Panckoshi Fal Mandi. Intrigued by the non-tourist atmosphere, I decide to stop for a visit.

In Varanasi, 80% of the population is vegetarian. Hinduism is based on the principle of ahimsa, nonviolence, and killing animals is regarded as an unclean act. A vegetarian diet is also considered healthier than an omnivorous diet and therefore able to guarantee a longer life.

Despite the religious precept, not all Hindus are vegetarians. Many eat eggs and poultry, but never cow meat. Cows are in fact considered sacred animals, universal mothers who generously give their milk not only to calves but to all creatures. The high percentage of vegetarians in Varanasi, possibly due to the sacred nature of the city, makes fruit and vegetable markets privileged places for social exchanges.

I sneak through the narrow streets of the market, with the idea of stealing some stealthy shots, but I immediately get noticed. People point at me and talk to each other. I’m afraid they will drive me away so I’m about to retire, when in fact I realize that they are yelling at me to greet me friendly!