Prior to undertaking a sacred rite, notably cremation of one's parents, the eldest son will have his head shaved. This picture was taken at Varanasi [Benares], the most sacred city to Hindus.

Brick is far and away the most important building material in India, given the ease with which bricks can be made and the lack of wood. Brick-making (like other occupations) is the traditional job of a restricted part of society, ranking near the bottom.

This man, apparently a fortune-teller, sold his wares (in this case, wisdom) by the side of the road.