“Kaashi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend & looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
MARK TWAIN
Varanasi is an ancient Indian city set in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is nothing short of a holy experience, wherein ceaseless spiritualism meets the perpetual fragrance of rich Indian traditions soothing your nostrils and the light breeze of vibrancy tangling in your hair. The city has had held prime importance in Indian history which can be traced via its trajectory.
It is one of India’s most fascinating tourist destinations and has been the city of Moksha for Hindus for centuries. The beauty of this city is well explained by some of the wonderful people who gave us wonderful quotes from Varanasi. People from different parts of India visit this fascinating destination and achieve salvation. Those who died and were cremated in the soil of Varanasi are believed to soon flee to heaven. Quoting from Varanasi, you can also feel the charm that the city has had for years. Popular as the residence of Lord Shiva.
Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges and attracts countless Shiva Bhakti each year. With countless temples and ghats, this place is one of the best places in India to spend time in tranquillity and find the peace you need for your heart and soul.
Below we provide you a list of 10 things to do when you visit Varanasi
A STROLL THROUGH THE GHATS
Early in the morning we crossed the ghat, where fires were still smouldering, gazed, with our Western minds, into the Ganges.”
MARY OLIVER
A stroll through the Ghats along the River Ganga is the most beautiful thing that one can experience in Varanasi. The Ghats are used not only as bathing but also as prayer and cremation centres. These are the place where life meets death. At one point you will notice young parents joyously bathing their new born in River Ganga to seek blessings of the holy river. And at the other end, you’ll notice old couples bidding adieu to their young child. This place is a must for all those who just like to sit with their thoughts and ponder on the vitality of life.
Dashashwamedh associated with two Hindu mythologies is one of the best places to explore. Some of the other major Ghats include the Assi Ghat, Mata Anandamai Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Scindia Ghat, etc. Tulsi Ghat is believed to make people get rid of leprosy and is highly revered by all.
BATHING IN RIVER GANGA
River Ganga originating from the Himalayas has a spiritual connotation. Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganga. Each year lakhs and lakhs of pilgrims irrespective of their age take a bath in the river to attain moksha i.e., liberation from the cycle of birth and death. And this very River Ganga with its rippling water is what makes Varanasi so special. It seems as if the expansive waters of the holy river have held the city closely to its chest thereby nurturing each and every man who walks on the land of the pious city.
GANGA AARTI IN KAASHI
“The city illumines truth and reveals reality. It does not bring new wonders into the scope of vision but enables one to see what is already there. Where this eternal light intersects the earth, it is known as Kashi.”
Diana L. Eck
When talking about what to do in Varanasi, Night Arti is one of the top things to do when visiting Varanasi. The evening arti ceremony along the Ganges in Varanasi is undoubtedly a long-cherished sight. Surreal rituals should be seen from the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Experience how beautiful rituals unfold in front of you and captivate you. For spiritual greetings, brass lamps with large dimensions of nearly 4.5 kg are used. Chants, floral scents, and incense create the blessings of heaven.
The evening sky is shining with the brilliance of God. The Arti Ceremony takes place every night at 6:45 pm. It is basically a 45-minute ritual and is worth the experience, especially in the light chilly weather of Delhi.
APPRECIATING THE WEAVER’S VILLAGE
“Banarasi sarees are six yards of pure grace”.
India has always been known for its absolutely hardworking and skilled craftsmen. The Sarai Mohana village is a living example of the same. The most famous work of theirs is the Banarasi Sarees, known worldwide for their opulent designs, rich patterns, Zari borders, and gold-silver imprints on silken cloth. They are mostly worn by Indian brides.
These sarees are very unique and take 15 days to 6 months to complete.
SARNATH
This is just 12 km from Varanasi and deserves a visit because it is the first place where Gautam Buddha gave the first lesson of Dharma after his enlightenment. It is one of the 4 vital places of the Buddhist sect and is popular for its relics.
The Dharmakeh Stupa, Ashokan Stupa, and Mulagandhakuti Vihara are historically important. Even the museum of 6 sects including Tibetan and Sri Lankan along with the Archaeological Museum of Sarnath are praiseworthy.
A LOT FOR HISTORY GEEKS
The Banaras Hindu University, founded by Sanskrit scholar, Madan Mohan Malviya houses the famed Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Browse through its rich collection of Indian paintings dating between the 11th century and 20th century and are about 12000 in number.
Ramnagar Fort located across the river beyond the Assi ghat was built in the 17th century. It has been the home to the royals of Varanasi for over 400 years. Although almost in ruins today, the palace still retains its charm and memorabilia.
SHOPPING IN VARANASI
“Here religious feelings reign supreme, and no sensual thought ever seems to assail these beauteous mingled forms. They come into unconscious contact with each other, but only heed the river, the sun, and the splendour of the morning in a dream of ecstasy.”
PIERRE LOTI
It’s a great way to bring back memories of the Holy City. The city is widely known for its silk sari and ornate jewellery. Visit local markets and explore lots of colours, intricate patterns and intricate designs. Apart from Saris, you can buy shawls, carpets, stone inlays, bracelets, and idols of Hindu and Buddhist gods. The city’s main shopping districts include Vishwanar Train, Tazari Bazaar, Chowk and Godowlia.
BANARSI PAN
“Yahan ki chai chatapati niraali si, gaalon pe hasi paan ki laali si”
Although the entire food palate available in Varanasi is nothing short of a gastronomical experience. This includes Tamatar Chaat, Snow Cone, Banarsi Kalakand, Rabri Jalebi and Kachoris. But the bettle lea filled with sugar, gulukand, cherries and fennel.
RAMNAGAR FORT
“I found Varanasi absolutely staggering. I have never seen anything like it before. The city just spills into the river Ganges…It’s really extraordinary!”
BRAD PITT
The Ramnagar Fortress, built by Kashi naresh, is on the eastern bank of the Ganges and is a magnificent sight. Dashashmeda offers great photos on a boat from Ghat. Although in a dilapidated state, the fort still stands proudly on the banks of the river. The fortress is entirely made of sandstone and has a pavilion, a courtyard and several balconies.
One of the things you have to do when visiting Ramnagar Fortress is the Saraswati Museum. The museum is adorned with many vintage American cars, sedans and ivory crafts. But the price is an amazing weapon. Another reason to visit this fort and have a good time is during the annual Ram leela Festival. Various episodes performed part of the Ram leela celebration each October. The celebration culminates on the 10th day, displaying an image of the Devil King Ravana being burned to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
PICNIC SPOTS NEAR VARANSI
“Early in the morning we crossed the ghat, where fires were still smouldering, gazed, with our Western minds, into the Ganges.”
MARY OLIVER
Varanasi is at the heart of India and therefore is well connected to other places and quite a few historical monuments. This includes Vindhyachal; one of the 64 Shaktipeeths, Chandra Prabha Sanctuary, Museums, Chunar Fort and Jaunpur.
Therefore, visiting this city is no less than a spiritual experience. But that doesn’t mean that it does not have a fun side to it. It does and in order to explore the entire city is necessary to understand what ‘Banaras’ withholds since sanctuaries. Every street originating from this historical repository has a story to narrate, an experience to share and a lesson to impart.
