India, Agra, along the Ganges River near the Taj Mahal. ? A recently deceased baby, is thrown into the Ganges by family members. ? While traditional Hindu funerary rituals call for cremation, children, ascetics, and deaths from serpent are exceptions. ? According to some Hindu beliefs, the souls of babies and young children are considered pure and innocent, and their souls will attain salvation and release from the cycle of rebirth. This practice is not followed by all communities or castes.
