Sarnath
From Varanasi we went by an autorickshaw-taxi to the village of Sarnath, about 10km (6
miles) away.  We had been there on a previous trip to India but decided the Buddhist ruins
there were worth another visit.
We were so carried away by the Jain procession and meeting that we almost forgot that we
had come to Sarnath to visit the ancient Buddhist ruins.  Sarnath is a very important
Buddhist religious center because it is here that Buddha about 528BC preached his first
sermon after having attained enlightenment in Bodh-Gaya.
Upon arriving in Sarnath we were surprised to find a large procession taking place, including
elephants, horses, marching bands, people in elaborate costumes, etc.    Bystanders told us
the procession was a celebration by the Jain religious sect.  The Jain religion got its start
more than three thousand years ago.  They are extremely non-violent vegetarians, known for
their egalitarianism,  honesty, and reliability,, On previous trips to India we admired their
beautiful temples.  Jains form a small minority in India but are very influential.
Below are photos of the Jain procession in Sarnath.
Silver coach, Sarnath, India
Decorated horses, Sarnath, India
Part of the procession passing in front of the
Vaishali Restaurant, where we later had lunch.
Hand-drawn elephant float, Sarnath
More hand-drawn floats
Then we watched an outdoor religious meeting held after the Jain procession we had just
witnessed.  We noted the influence which Hinduism and Buddhism have had on Jainism.
Meeting equipment ready to be hauled away.
Audience at religious meeting, Sarnath.
We visited the ruins of several Buddhist stupas and other monuments, including a Jain
temple.  We also visited the small archaeological museum, and then took a motorickshaw-taxi
back to our hotel in Varanasi.
We had a very pleasant day in Sarnath, especially because of our good fortune of being
there at the time of the Jain festival.
One of the bands, Sarnath, India.