A charity in Varanasi, India, offers lodging to those who wish to give up their last breath in the Hindu holy city. EPA
Hindus believe that those who die in the holy city achieve Moksha, which means enlightenment or release. EPA
The so-called "death hotel" has 10 rooms for guests.
Premvati Gupta, 95, is one of the thousands of elderly people who have stayed at the Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan, the shelter for those on the brink of death. Photo: Tanya Dutta for The National
Residents have special prayers three times a day. The building has an office and small quarters for its priests. EPA
Kalikant Dubey, 38, assesses the condition of a person before allowing them entry at the shelter. He then takes care of the person, including praying for them every day. Photo: Tanya Dutta for The National
The daughter-in-law of Shivdayal Parasar, a resident aged 90, washes utensils at Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan. EPA
Chaturbhuj Jha, 97, spent his last days at the hospice in June this year. He had suffered a heart attack after losing his 62-year-old son and wanted to die in Varanasi to get freed from human pain and rid of the cycle of death and rebirth. Photo: Tanya Dutta for The National
A priest sings devotional songs at the temple at Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan. EPA
Guests who are not medically fit and within days of dying are allowed to take shelter in the house for two weeks with minimal charges. The price of the stay is 20 Indian rupees ($0.24), a fare that covers electricity and some basic costs. EPA
There is a condition to die within two weeks; if the health of the guest improves they are asked to move on. The house offers the service for free to those who cannot afford it. EPA
