Glimpses of Varanasi

One of the oldest living cities in the world—Varanasi—is situated on the western bank of the Ganga and extends beyond the riverbank into a labyrinth of alleys. Also known as Benares (or Banaras) and Kashi, the city is a melting pot of religion and culture.

Experience something different every time you visit Varanasi. The gentle waters of the Gangas, the boat ride at sunrise, the high banks of the ‘Ghats’ and an array of shrines, offer an almost spiritual experience that’s unique to the city.

Every morning, Varanasi wakes up by offering prayers to the holy river. Just before dawn when the sun ascends on the horizon across the Ghats, pilgrims gather for the morning Aarti.

Varanasi’s ancient Ghats make the city a haven for pilgrims. The fragrance of incense, the sound of temple bells, the aroma of colourful flowers and reverberating chants welcome the day here.

The Chet Singh Ghat is a historical fortified Ghat. The Ghat witnessed a fierce battle between the troops of Warren Hastings and Chet Singh in 1781.

The Ahilya Ghat has the distinction of being the first Ghat named in the honor of a person, namely, the warrior queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. Early mornings at the Ghat witness a throng of pilgrims taking dips in the holy waters.

One of the most visually appealing and architecturally impressive Ghat is the Munshi Ghat. The Ghat is an extension of the Darabhnaga Ghat and is flanked by an imposing palace built in the early 1900s by the royal family of Bihar.

Overflowing with devotees that come to offer their prayers day and night, the Prayag Ghat is considered the most important section of the Varanasi Ghats. Fortune tellers, seated under rattan umbrellas, read fortunes for the visiting pilgrims.

Varanasi is at its brilliant best by the Ghats and many tourists experience this on the boat rides available at sunrise and sunset. Touring the entire city for about an hour, these long rowboats are as interesting for the ride itself as the trivia which the oarsmen will tell you.

Around dusk the Dashashwamedh Ghat comes to life with the evening Ganga Aarti. Performed by young pundits dressed in saffron, the aarti is an elaborate ceremony complete with puja, dance and fire. The riverbank lights up with flaming lamps and the smell of sandalwood envelops the Ghat.

Every movement of the lamps, held in the pundit’s hands, is synchronised with the rhythmic chants of the chants and the clangs of the cymbals.

The river is filled with devotees seated on boats, waiting to offer their evening prayers.

Not far away from the Ganga is one of the oldest temples in Hinduism, Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is also the starting point of the sacred Panchkoshi Yatra—a 88.5 km long barefoot walk encircling Kashi.

Some say that it’s the galis of Varanasi, too narrow for traffic, that hold the charm of the old city. Don’t worry about getting lost because sooner or later you will end up in front of the river or on the main street. For picking up some souvenirs, head to the lanes near the Ghats or to the Vishwanath temple.

This crumbling 17th century fort and palace on the eastern banks of the Ganga is a beautiful place to watch the sun set over the river. Built with red sandstone by the Maharaja of Banaras, the Ramnagar fort houses a temple and a museum within its compound.

Filled to the brim with temples and teeming with pilgrims, Varansai lets you capture a glimpse of India that is far removed from the metropolises. The city is a magnet for knowledge seekers, travellers and pilgrims who come from far and wide.