Varanasi: The Fun City of the World

                                     Image credit: BBC

           

 “The city illuminates 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

On the banks of the holy river Ganges resides the ancient city of Varanasi. It is a city of utmost historical and religious significance.
Varanasi, the fun city also known as Kashi or Banaras, is a colourful city that embodies the sanctity and spirituality of Indian culture. The heavily crowded, narrow streets are lined with shops selling Banarasi sarees and handicrafts.

 The city is brimmed with temples, ghats, shrines, palaces, and mosques. A stroll through the crowded alleyways, watching the sunrise on the ghats, or tracing the city's boundaries while paying respect to shrines along the way, all make for a memorable experience. Who knows, perhaps visiting this 'City of Light' will become your favourite destination.

“The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kashi is my royal palace therein.”
                                                                                                               – Skanda Purana

Food

Banaras is famous for its traditional dishes, which are a burst of different, unique flavours. The majority of the people here are pure vegetarians. Most of the dishes are inspired by the food in neighbouring states. Most of the food items are prepared with desi ghee. 

People start their day by drinking hot tea from small clay cups. Street food culture is highly prevalent here. The street foods of Varanasi include crispy Kachoris with spicy Sabzi, Baati Chokha, Makkhan Malaiyo, Thandai, and Lassi. 

The ‘Banarasi Paan’ is a renowned delicacy here. For non-vegetarian items, Sadar Bazaar is the location where people can enjoy chicken and kebabs. Whether it be street food or big restaurants, the quality of food is never compromised.

The City of death

“Enlightenment, and the death which comes before it is the primary business of Varanasi.”

                                                                                                                              – Tahir Shah

Varanasi is the place where life and death converge. Almost hundreds of cremations take place every day on the banks of the Ganges. The city has the nickname "The City of Death". It is believed that if a person dies in Varanasi, that person attains moksha, or salvation, i.e., liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Manikarnika Ghat is the largest cremation site where bodies are cremated daily for 24 hours. The ashes of the deceased are thrown into the river.

Things to do in Varanasi

Local market and sarees
Travellers can visit the local markets for shopping. The shops here are renowned for sarees, ornaments, shawls, carpets, and sculpted idols.

Visitors can also visit Sarai Mohana, also called "the weaver’s village". The village has numerous saree weaving workshops offering high-quality Banarasi silk sarees with different prints, designs, and embroidery.

Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is a splendid event that takes place every evening on the ghats of Varanasi. The young priests chant the hymns while holding lamps in their hands. Devotees gather in thousands to watch the divine event.

Boat Ride in Ganges

A boat rising in the Ganges in the early dawn will remain as one of the most cherishable memories. The ambience of the early morning along with the breathtaking beauty of sunrise will soothe your soul.

A boat ride during Ganga Aarti also offers scenic views. You can observe the different rites and rituals that take place along the banks of the Ganges.
 
Visit Varanasi Temples

The temples in Varanasi possess a spiritual aura. There are thousands of temples, all within walking distance. The most famous is Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, located on the western banks of the Ganges, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Some of the legendary temples are Annapurna Devi Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, and Kanaka Durga Mandir.

Stroll Along the Ghats
There are more than 100 ghats in Varanasi, each having its own religious significance. The ghats were built in the eighteenth century by Maratha rulers. It's best to go for a walk along the ghats during the morning or evening when the sun is low.

                                                              Credits: Viator

The serenity and joy of Varanasi are not something that can be explained in words. An actual visit is required to witness its glory and piousness. The breathtaking splendour of the holy city gets embedded in one’s memories for the whole of life.Thats why we say-Varanasi is the fun city.

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“An image can never be the real thing. Varanasi is where the Ganga flows, where I can play the Shehnai for Lord Balaji. I shall be at home, nowhere else but in India.” 
                                                                                                              

– Ustad Bismillah Khan

                                                                                                           

Written by: Manisha Nair