Visual Project Management | Grant Work: Where Women Rule - Widows of Varanasi: Women_013

(L-R) Widows Shakuntala Devi, who estimates she is 70 years old, and Durga Devi, who estimates she is 60 years old, pose for a portrait at Birla ashram in Varanasi, India on January 05, 2019. Durga, originally from Rajasthan, is a god-sister and cousin with Shakuntala. Durga says of her friendship with Shakuntala: {quote}On one side is the river Ganga, and on the other, Baba Vishwanath (Lord Shiva.) We are right in between - there isn't a better place.{quote}Durga says she did not want to live with her son following her husband's death, as she wanted to be closer to the holy river Ganges and Lord Shiva. She often visits her son, who insists that she stay at home and looks after her well. But she says she prefers the ashram.

(L-R) Widows Shakuntala Devi, who estimates she is 70 years old, and Durga Devi, who estimates she is 60 years old, pose for a portrait at Birla ashram in Varanasi, India on January 05, 2019. Durga, originally from Rajasthan, is a god-sister and cousin with Shakuntala. Durga says of her friendship with Shakuntala: "On one side is the river Ganga, and on the other, Baba Vishwanath (Lord Shiva.) We are right in between - there isn't a better place." 

Durga says she did not want to live with her son following her husband's death, as she wanted to be closer to the holy river Ganges and Lord Shiva. She often visits her son, who insists that she stay at home and looks after her well. But she says she prefers the ashram.