Varanasi,, or Banaras, is one of the world’s most established, persistently occupied urban areas. Kashi its old name, was related to a realm of similar names from a long time ago.

Varanasi, or Banaras (also known as Kashi), is one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. The prominence of Varanasi in Hindu mythology is virtually unexplained.

 

 

WHAT HISTORY SAYS ABOUT BANARAS

Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been a place of ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus for centuries. Hindus believe that a person who is fortunate enough to die on the land of Varanasi attains salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to the presiding deity of the city, Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, Varanasi has produced excellent craftsmen, and Varanasi has earned name and fame for its sarees, handicrafts, textiles, toys, jewellery, metal work, clay and wood work, leaf and fiber crafts. The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been a place of ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus for centuries.

The best time to explore Varanasi tourist places is between the months of October and February, when the Varanasi temperature dips. Two days in sacred Varanasi give you enough time to see the most important Hindu and Buddhist sites and visit a local silk-producing village. 

 

 

DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT BANARAS

Dashashwamedh Ghat is a major ghat of Varanasi located on the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is situated near Vishwanath Temple.Dashashwamedh Ghat is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is the most popular ghat.One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in the holy city of Varanasi is Dashashwamedha. The spot is generally well known for its Ganga Aarti (a consecrated fire custom). Ganga Aarti begins not long after nightfall and goes on for around 45 minutes. Due to the late sunset in summer, the aarti starts around 7 p.m., and in winter, it starts around 6 pm.

 

 

MANIKARNIKA GHAT BANARAS

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and is given the highest position among other ghats by the sacred texts in Hinduism. It is trusted that, assuming an individual is incinerated here, he promptly achieves salvation. It is surrounded by Scindia Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat on both sides.

There is a belief among Hindus that the person whose last rites are performed here gets ‘Moksha’… This means that if people’s dead bodies are burned at this ghat, then the soul gets “Mukti” (end of journey). Is available. Received. Due to this strong belief, dead bodies are cremated here almost 24 hours a day. According to Hindu mythology, Manikarnika Ghat is believed to be the place where Sati’s earring or eye fell when Lord Shiva was taking her to the Himalayas.

 

 

PANCHGANGA GHAT BANARAS

The true confluence of five sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhupappa. This ghat has a lot of history. It is believed that Panchganga Ghat also served as a teaching place for Vedanta Ramananda, the guru of the great saint Kabir.The birthplace of this river is Chikhali Taluka, a small village in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Five Rivers—Kasari, Kumbhi, Tulsi, Bhogavati and Saraswati—together form Panchganga at Prayag Sangam. This river ends in the Krishna River at Kurundvad in Maharashtra.

 

 

GYAN VAPI WELL BANARAS

Gyan Vapi Kuan is a sacred well for the Hindu community located inside the premises of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.The name ‘Chandrakoop’ is comprised of two words: ‘Chandra’, meaning moon, and ‘Koop’, meaning great. According to Hindu mythology, this well was built by the moon god Chandra, who was also a devotee of Lord Shiva.

 

 

ASSI GHAT BANARAS

After killing the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, Goddess Durga threw her sword into a river (called Assi). That is why this hat has been named this way. While the evening aarti regularly invites visitors, the ghat is especially crowded during the months of Chaitya (March/April) and Magha (January/February).Witnessing the various rituals and spiritual practices at Assi Ghat provides a deeper understanding of Hindu traditions. Pilgrims and locals engage in rituals like the sacred Ganga Aarti, where lamps are lit on the river, creating a mesmerizing scene.

 

 

FAMOUS FOOD OF BANARAS 

• Chola samosa: Although samosas can be easily found in various states of India, the combination of chola and samosa reigns as one of the most popular street foods in Varanasi.
• Kachori sabzi: kachori is believed to have originated in the state of rajasthan, which is known for its savoury snacks and traditional sweets.
• Dahi ke batashe: These street snacks are filled with chutneeys, dah, and other delicious ingridients, making them different from the usual tangy gol gappas, hence the  name dahi ke batashe.
• Deena Chat Bhandar: It is a popular chaat shop established in 1960 near Assi Ghat.
• Paan: It is believed that the first betel seed was planted by Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash, from where they brought it to Kashi.

 

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