Through the streets of Banaras

Planning to visit Varanasi. Varanasi is the cultural capital of India. Read the to know about the interesting facts about Varanasi.

“Banaras is older than history,

Older than tradition,

Older even than legands and looks twice old as all of them put together.”

- MARK TWAIN

Benaras Hindu University

Banaras/ Varanasi is not just a city rather it is a feeling that never ends. Tradition is the identity of Varanasi and its evenings are in fact, world’s best evening. It has continued its legacy of being traditional centre of the world. This 2,000 BC old ancient city is situated at the bank of river Ganga in the state of Utter Pradesh, India.

Devotees from all around the world visit Varanasi to remit their sin. As it’s a general belief there; taking a dip at holy Ganga will wash away all your sins. I don’t know whether that is true or not but I am sure once you visit the city; you will develop some sort of secret bounding with the city, its tradition, ghats. Yes, you read right its ghat, river side’s hindi translation.

Varanasi is Rome for the Hindus of all around the world. It’s a common desire of every Hindus to be there once in their lifetime.

Well, tradition has no boundaries. At least, not in Hinduism. Varanasi attract both Hindus and Non-Hindus from around the world. This city of temples and ghat is the centre for ‘moksha’.

There is a saying when you are in Varanasi

You can’t find NIRVANA
Since you are already there,

You just need to realise it…………

For every visitor, Varanasi has a different story to offer.

The gentle water of Ganga, the boat ride at the sunrise, the high banks of ancient ghat, the array of shrines, the palaces at the water’s edge, ashrams, the pavilions, the chanting mantras, fragrance of incense, the palm and cane parasols, the devotional hymn- Are words of this mysterious ancient city.

Evening aarti at Varanasi

History of Varanasi, or, just Benaras

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Banares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance.

With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Ganga Aarti

Evening at the Varanasi’s ghat

Are you addicted to the adult-oriented nightlife? Come once to Varanasi. Unlike the nightlife at other places offering pubs, bars and nightclubs, the stone stepped ghats of this timeless city promises a night full of tranquillity and liveliness on the banks of holy Ganga.

Evening of Varanasi begins with the Aarti, where you will find hundreds of priest chanting mantras.

Where to join evening aarti

Well, you can join any of the ghats of Varanasi as all have their own beauty . Here I am listing few of most famous ghats of Banaras.

-Assi Ghat