Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is one of the holiest cities in India and is believed to be the ultimate gateway to salvation. It's said that dying in Kashi grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), which is why many people spend their final days there, waiting for their soul’s release.

Manikarnika Ghat, the city's most sacred cremation ground, sees funeral pyres burning day and night—but not every body is allowed to be cremated there. There are five exceptions, and the reasons are steeped in centuries-old traditions, spiritual beliefs, and ritualistic practices.

1. Saints and Sadhus

The mortal remains of saints and sadhus are not cremated. They are believed to have already transcended the cycle of life and death. Hence, instead of cremation, their bodies are either buried on land or immersed in the Ganga (Jal Samadhi).

2. Children Under 12

Young children, especially those below 12 years, are considered pure and divine, untouched by worldly karma. Cremation is avoided, and instead, their bodies are gently immersed in the river, returning them to nature in a peaceful, sacred way.

3. Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are also not cremated. The belief is that burning the body might cause the unborn child to be released violently, a deeply distressing idea within ritual traditions. As a result, their bodies are buried or given a water burial.

4. Death by Snake Bite

A unique belief surrounds people who die from snake bites. It’s said that such a person’s brain remains alive for up to 21 days. Cremating the body is avoided because of the possibility of revival—especially by tantric practices. These bodies are often floated in the Ganga, tied to banana tree trunks.

5. Victims of Contagious Diseases

Those who die of infectious or highly contagious diseases like skin disorders are not cremated to avoid spreading the infection through air or ash. Instead, safer burial or immersion methods are chosen to prevent public health risks.