Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India and the ultimate pilgrimage destination. Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world (over 3000 years old), and famous for its spiritualism, Indian philosophy, Ayurveda, Yoga and mysticism. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. It is at the Gange Ghats in Varanasi where we see life and death together.
Varanasi, situated in Uttar Pradesh in central North India, can be easily included into any itinerary in the north. Varanasi can be reached by train by many centres or an easy hour's flight from Delhi.
The ‘old city’ of Varanasi lies along the west bank of the holy Ganges River. There are more than 100 ghats (steps) which line the western bank of the Ganges. They are awash with people from the pre-dawn hours until well into the night and Varanasi is one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in all of Hinduism. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at the Ghats. For thousands of years people have been offering their morning prayers to the rising sun.
During the nightly Aarti ceremony thousands of tiny oil lamps are set alight and then cast onto the waters of the Ganges to a soundtrack of myriad clanging bells and gongs, chants, poetry and general mayhem. This is one of India’s most celebrated rituals and a truly unforgettable experience. Despite its reputation as one of the most chaotic cities in India, Varanasi is a friendly and welcoming place and you will be most welcome to sit and absorb the events going on around you.
A dawn boat ride on the Ganges is a "must do" in this holy city and cannot be adequately described in words. Having the opportunity to light a candle and float your offering on the Ganges will make you feel you are contributing to the dawn ceremonies.
A total overload for all the senses and a photographer’s dream, the ancient dawn rituals of Varanasi are essentially unchanged in modern times and retain a primal quality which makes them truly compelling. Varanasi is a place which is very intense and immediate but it does reveal more and more of its charms over time.