One of the notable pilgrimage places for thousands of devout Hindus is Varanasi. Also known as Benares and Kashi, this city is a melting pot of culture, colors, traditions and rituals. A city where there is a perfect amalgamation of the past with the present, Varanasi is counted among the oldest cities in India and interestingly enough dates back to the Sumer civilization. A city so old is a legend in itself and the mysticism of the city lies in the innumerable Ghats, the meandering lanes and in the people itself. Varanasi is not only a place visited for some holiday purpose, the city situated in the middle Ganga Valley in the eastern most part of the state of Uttar Pradesh is also celebrated as a city of Temples thereby making religion an integral part of the city. The holy place itself is the abode of the God Vishwanath, another name for the Hindu God Shiva and is ideally located in the middle of the two tributaries of Ganga- Varuna in the north and Asi in the south. Devotees from all over the country visit this place to enjoy a holy dip in the sacred waters of the river Ganga which flows swiftly through the city. A kaleidoscope of Indian culture and heritage, foreigners too are attracted towards the simplicity and the mystic nature of the city.
A city ancient enough to find reference in the Rig Veda has also undergone development and Varanasi has emerged as one of the important brassware and silk weaving centers in India. The heavily brocaded Benarasi sarees are the most prized possession of any Indian woman. The muslin silks, richly brocaded fabrics and the benarasi sarees form prized gift items and an integral part of a newly wed’s ensemble. Other items include jewellery, carpets and intricate woodcraft items. Famous shopping destinations are the Lahurabir, Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanath Lane, Chowk and Godaulia.
A place to find some solace and put the mind at peace is Varanasi. The serene surroundings and the beauty of the Ganga River calm your senses and the city is best visited during the months of October and March.
A city ancient enough to find reference in the Rig Veda has also undergone development and Varanasi has emerged as one of the important brassware and silk weaving centers in India. The heavily brocaded Benarasi sarees are the most prized possession of any Indian woman. The muslin silks, richly brocaded fabrics and the benarasi sarees form prized gift items and an integral part of a newly wed’s ensemble. Other items include jewellery, carpets and intricate woodcraft items. Famous shopping destinations are the Lahurabir, Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanath Lane, Chowk and Godaulia.
A place to find some solace and put the mind at peace is Varanasi. The serene surroundings and the beauty of the Ganga River calm your senses and the city is best visited during the months of October and March.