Varanasi, located by the River Ganges in North India, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism, being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all beliefs. The city is also one of the holiest places in Buddhism, being one of four pilgrimage sites said to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself. Furthermore Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Jains. More than 1,000,000 pilgrims visit the city each year.

Dipping in the River Ganges

Life on the bank of the River Ganges begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims each day come down to the river to wait for the rising sun when dipping in the sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away. Along the water's edge are more than a hundred ghats. A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims. Some of the Ghats are known as burning gahts, where bodies are cremated in full view, before their ashes are placed in the Ganges.

Everyone has their own way of celebrating the ritual contact with the holy Ganges: some bathe; others dip themselves into the water once or any number of times; some drink the water; others make water offerings while some fill their pots with holy water to take back to their homes. The offerings also vary from flowers, fruits, lamps and other items, as well as respectful prayers.

Temples

The land of Varanasi is also sacred since Shiva is believed to have lived here. There are thousands of temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses, particularly dedicated to good fortune and prosperity - and to the sun and the planets. The most important are those that honor the diverse manifestations and attributes of Shiva. The major shrine in Varanasi is the Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, security is tight making entrance difficult and sometimes completely off limits to foreigners.

Hotels

Varanasi is a major tourist destination for foreign tourists in India. A number of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels are present in the city and all sorts of cuisine are available although mostly as street food. The most interesting area to stay is around the ghats. In addition to the ghats and the river, Varanasi's most famous temples and main markets are all located in this area.

Banaras Silk

Varanasi is furthermore renowned as a center for Banaras silk weaving and brassware. A Banaras silk sari or shawl is traditionally a single colored textile with motives and patterns woven in gold or silver threads. Silk weaving is a cottage industry and in many areas of the city, especially in the Muslim quarters, one can see people at work all day. The main shopping area include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar.

Plan your visit

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