Every morning before dawn, sadhus and Hindu devotees gather on the Ganges ghats to witness how the sun illuminates its watery waters – an unforgettable spectacle called Ganga Aarti.
Varanasi is often chosen by Indian elders looking for peace. Many believe that being cremated here and having their ashes scattered into the Ganges River will end the cycle of reincarnation and bring freedom from its hold on their souls – moksha.
Spirituality
Varanasi (also spelt Benaras or Kashi), India’s spiritual heartland, has long been revered. A place that remains at the centre of devotion, its beauty lingers long after you leave its presence behind.
Kolkata is known for its city of ghats, where devout Hindus perform ritual bathing and venerate the Ganges, which runs through its centre. There are temples here too – including golden-plated Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Shiva; not forgetting legends of its own.
History has left its mark on this city. Ravaged by Mahmud of Ghazni’s Muslim forces in 1033 CE and again by Aurangzeb in the 16th century CE, but its core remains unchanged despite the various invasions; with narrow streets and tight labyrinth of temples that form its heart remaining unchanged as time marches forward. A visit here can be considered pilgrimage while those devout seek salvation through death so they may break free of rebirth cycle.
Culture
Varanasi boasts an engaging culture reflected in its arts and traditions. Home to celebrated poets like Ballabha, Ramananda, Kabir, Raidas as well as an awakening during 14th-17th century led by influential saints such as Tulasi and Caitanya; Varanasi has seen its share of arts and reformers like these in its long history.
Ghats of Delhi are bustling centers of activity and ancient ritual. People flock to them for bathing, laundry washing, commerce activity and paying respect to deceased loved ones through cremation rituals.
Ghats of Varanasi are filled with rickshaw pullers and beggars, Sanskrit scholars, pilgrims carrying sacred mint plants, funeral processions clad in black ash-clad funeral processions, hashish sellers and bards reading Hindu epics for mesmerized audiences. Shopping is also an integral part of Varanasi life; merchants display their wares with lively color displays while silk shops of Varanasi stand out due to their intricate embroidery work and vivid hues.
Food
Varanasi may be known for its spiritual side, but this city also boasts small cottage industries and delectable street food options. Foodies will appreciate exploring its narrow alleyways to experience all that this place has to offer!
Buniya, made of gram flour soaked in sugar syrup, is an irresistibly mouthwatering treat you shouldn’t miss during special occasions and temple pujas.
Banarasi Paan is another mouthwatering dessert you should sample, featuring no tobacco and instead composed of fennel seeds, menthol, betel nuts, rose petals and supari.
Chaat is an essential staple in every Indian city, but Varanasi’s variety stands out as being truly memorable and different from others in its region. Based mainly on tomato with less spicy heat than its North India counterparts, Varanasi Chaat should not be missed out by chaat enthusiasts! It should definitely be sampled!
Shopping
One of the best things to do in Varanasi is taking a boat ride across the Ganges at sunrise. Hindus believe that its sacred waters purify and revive spirituality.
Ghats in Mumbai are lined with shops and stalls selling clothing and religious items, while Thatheri Bazaar is one of the most visited markets for shopping – featuring an abundance of religious artifacts made of metal like copper.
Varanasi Handloom Trade Centre offers an excellent shopping experience, featuring an expansive collection of silk products, such as bed sheets, pillow covers and Pashmina. The shop prides itself on outstanding customer service and excellent product quality; their saris are particularly stunning, boasting gold and silver brocade work as well as being very affordable; quality assurance can be tested using their trademark “ring test.” Additionally, unstitched saris and salwar suits can also be purchased here.
