Varanasi (also known as Banaras or Benaras or Kashi) is regarded as the spiritual capital of India. This city is more than 3000 years old, draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. This place is famous for its unique life style along Ganga Ghat and narrow alleys. This city houses more than 3000 Hindu temples including famous Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, more than 400 mosques, about 20 Buddhist temples and number of Gurudwaras, Churches & Jain Temples. Apart from Hinduism, this city respects all religions including Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity.
The City of Temples or the Land of Spirituality – call it what you may. Mark Twain, a prominent figure of English Literature writes ‘Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together’.
Varanasi is located on the west bank of the river Ganga as it flows through the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. After attaining Nirvana, Lord Buddha came to Sarnath (Varanasi) in search of his five disciples. This city is well connected by road, rail and air network with all major cities of India. Varanasi has 6 railway stations – Varanasi Cantt, Banaras, Kashi, Varanasi City, Sarnath and Mughal Sarai. Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport in Varanasi has daily direct flights from Major cities of India and some international flights too. Being one of the oldest living cities of the world, Varanasi is held in high esteem by the Hindu devotees from all over the world. Varanasi gets its name from the two rivers, Varuna and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat. It is believed to be one of the seven holy cities or Sapt Puri – that can bring you Moksha. This makes it the pulse of the Hindu Universe.
A devotees travel here in the quest of – peace of mind, pilgrims remain unfettered in this little land full of temples, students come to experience diverse cultures, while some families come for a vacation, some come together for a cremation, writers come hunting for the hidden stories, and historians unfold the many layered pasts of this place and locals live here for their livelihood. This unique city has a wide acceptance for people from all walks of life, all parts of the world and creatures big and small. This city awakes at the crack of dawn. The prayers, chants, rituals and habits that are branded into the Hindu ideology are ingrained into the daily life of the people here. Bathing, washing clothes, giving offerings, going for long walks, meditation or chanting all echoes in the early morning sky. Crows and parrots all pitch in as well, indifferent to individual inclinations.
As the sun comes up locals, boats-men, tourists, chaiwalla’s, paanwalla’s, students, birds and stray animals all find their way towards Ganga Ghats, there is something overwhelming about the river Ganges and her sandstone Ghats that gives you a reason to greet her every day. Odd assortments of products like cigarettes, and incense sticks along with packs of chips and pens are sold by old women and kids on the Ghats. Free spirited tourists sit in groups and play unusual music and some are busy working with beggar children on the streets in the hopes to help them.
Having tea is mandatory in every hour of the day, and declining it is an offence. Benarasi Chai, unending walks and meeting old acquaintances are some ingredients contributing to the slow motioned pace of this peaceful city. Newcomers or natives all take a plunge into the slow sea of life vibrating within the city. Doing nothing concrete is also on the calendar, generally this city prepares us on being busy all the time – but this city teaches us how not do anything.
Sages, men and dogs alike sit on the same Ghats, sharing the same view. Young men have casual conversations about ideologies and utopias on the steps outside their houses. Priests prepare for the Ganga Aarti in the evening, while astrologers advise worried women, while some folks interact more easily with animals. A sadhu is stoned under the effect of charas, while the dead bodies wait patiently for their turn on the Ghats for cremation, where the fire never dies. Constant death is compensated by creation. Children can be found celebrating the birth of newly born puppies. And sometimes lone walkers walk, ignoring everything around, aimlessly. Ghosts also play their part to perfection within abandoned monuments, keeping away the locals and befriending the junkies.
Benaras is a slow and lazy place unique of its kind. You don’t have to explore, you have to feel and experience this city to understand the real culture and life style of Benaras. Unless you come here, you cann’t imagine how beautiful and stunning this place is. Can you imagine death is a celebration? Can you imagine cows, stray dogs and men sit side by side to enjoying a ceremony? Can you imagine one can spend whole day at a tea stall discussing national and international politics? Can you imagine kids playing at cremation ground? Can you imagine one can spend 4-5 hours every day in different temples since last 20-30 years? You can get answers of all these questions if you are already in Benaras. This city is the confluence of faith, belief and traditions. Once you are here, you will experience life and death at the same platform. Mystery of life and death will be solved forever within few days of your stay here. Life starts and ends in Benaras. After travelling to this wonderful city, your perception of life will definitely change.