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A
city dedicated to the dead and the dying, it comes as an enormous
cultural- even a spiritual- shock. For ages, “going to Kashi”
(Varanasi) has meant preparing for death in India and the entire
city celebrates death in unsurpassed glee. Hawans, kirtans, singing
and dancing are the order of the day. People here spend a large part
of their lives living with the death. At a deeper level, this city
can help you with that terrible reality of life – death that strikes
everyone- irrespective of whether they are our dear ones.
Discover, experience and reach the ultimate bliss here. Move around,
to touch, feel and sense its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts
and education. Some of the world- renowned exponents have begun
their journey from here. You can even pick up some inimitably
precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades, Carpets and
brassware- collector's items across the world, even today. And if
you’re adventurous – try the Banarasi paan (betel leaf) it's
legendary condiments will lift your soul.
How to reach here
Varanasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Very
well connected by road, rail and air, the City offers convenient and
comfortable traveling options to and from other cities of India. The
Babatpur airport is 22 km away and it is an important and major rail
junction. Varanasi, is on NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya
Kumari and NH29 to Gorakhpur and is connected to the rest of the
country by good motorable, all – weather roads.
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Places to visit |
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Ghats
If Varanasi liberates soul from human body, the Ganga Ghats
of Varanasi become the place of the release. Not
surprisingly, the Ghats are perhaps the holiest spots of
Varanasi.
Assi
Ghat
Right here, the famous Indian poet saint, Tulsi Das had
written the much-celebrated Ramcharitmanas. The southernmost
Ghat in Varanasi is the place where pilgrims bathe before
paying their homage to Lord Shiva’s lingam under a peepal
tree. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims take holy dip here in the
months of Chaitya (March/ April) and Magh (Jan/Feb) and
other important occasions like solar/ lunar eclipse.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Literally meaning the Ghat (river front) of ten sacrificed
horses, Dasaswamedh provides a beautiful and colorful
riverfront view. While innumerable Sadhus perform religious
rites here all through the day, you must not miss the Aarti
in the evening. Thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) are
immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges imparting a divine
look to the river at dusk.
Harish Chandra Ghat
One of the oldest Ghats of Varanasi, Hindus from distant
places bring the dead bodies of their near and dear ones for
cremation here. For, here , a person is certain to get
salvation or "mocha".
Manikarnika Ghat
The main cremation Ghat of Varanasi, here, the mortal
remains are consigned to flames with the prayers that the
souls rest in eternal peace. The sacred well called the
Manikarnika Kund is said to be dug by Lord Vishnu himself.
Tulsi Ghat
It is believed that the Ramlila (story of Lord Rama's life)
from Tulsi Das, Ramcharitmanas was staged here for the first
time. Many of his relics are preserved at the Tulsi Ghat.
People come here for the bath of Lolarkkunda (to be blessed
with sons and their long life) and the sacred bath to get
rid of leprosy. It is also a center of cultural activities.
Shri
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the
city. Said to be one of the holiest spots, it is supposed to
be the spot where Lord Shiva proved his supremacy. The
temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum, Ramnagar
Originally built by Maharaja Balwant Singh (1740-70 AD.) as
Ramnager fort, it now houses the Banaras Vidya Mandir
Museum. The museum collection mainly comprises of textiles,
pieces of decorative arts, arms & armors, utilitarian
objects, means of transport-old bagghis, palkis - furniture
& manuscripts. |
Unique shopping
A premier centre for
some of the finest handicrafts it is renowned for its silk weaving.
"Banarsi Sarees" produced by local craftsmen are among the most
preferred across the world. It forms a part of every Indian bride’s
wedding trousseau. Brassware, copperware, ivory ware, glass bangles,
wood and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelry are some other famous
crafts. The city is also famous for its hand – knotted carpets ---
Mirzapur and Bhadohi. Another specialty of the city is Betel leaves.
These are generally eaten by locals in form of “Paan” with
condiments rolled into it. The main shopping areas are confined to
Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Gadoulia and Dashwamedh Gali.
Do's and Dont's
- A trip Varanasi should
include a boat ride in river Ganga.
- A side-trip to Sarnath is very desirable. It takes not more than
few hours from your schedule.
- Beware of pick-pockets and touts.
- Always keep your hotel room locked when there or when out for
sight seeing, shopping
- Take autorikshaws from pre paid kiosk wherever available.
Otherwise settle the amount before embarking on the journey.
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