As I strolled by the Scioto River, I was amazed to see a multitude of fresh-cut flowers drifting on the water. I wondered what could be the reason for this sight and did some research. I learned that it was probably a ritual by local Hindus. They follow a tradition of throwing flowers into the Ganges river in India as a way of honoring the gods and the departed. Sometimes they also scatter the ashes of their loved ones in the river. Photography by Ray Huffman.