Varanasi… The oldest cities in the world, often called Kashi, Banaras, Mokshdayini, and so on. Sitting on the banks of the River Ganga, it’s our beloved, Shiva’s favourite city, which pens down its existence 3000 years with more than 2000 temples and 80 ghats in recent times. The fact here is, Varanasi is where life, death, and rebirth co-exist. Beyond this, there’s more of Kashi, swipe to learn further…
Kashi is not Kashi, just for the sake of being an ancient city as per Hindu scriptures and what our ancestors believed is the land of liberation; yet a spiritual epicentre for millions of Shivbhakts as getting merged into panchtattva for freedom from the birth & death cycle. Ashrams, saints, Aghoris, sadhus, spiritual seekers, yogis, & pilgrims, delve into the divine aura, get served with what they believe about Kashi.
River Ganga, the sacred water body, the line of survival for Kashi, still thrives with its spiritual identity. Taking dips, cleanses all sins & purifies one’s soul; the river is lined with over 80 ghats, each holding stories of devotion, life, & freedom from death. Those who visit Varanasi Ganga Ghats, perform moksha rituals, or immerse the ashes of their loved ones, are guided with a belief to help them know the purpose of their next birth cycle.
Every evening, Dashashwamedh Ghat lights up with the flames of Ganga Aarti. Pandits, who are the messengers of spiritual divinity, perform aarti with lamps, incense, and chants “OM NAMAH PARVATI PATYEH, HAR HAR MAHADEV”; all ceremonial events here, creates a magic of faith, embellished with the feelings of a royal religious procession of Kashi, that connects highest celestial powers with life on this Earth.
Varanasi’s history dates back to ancient scriptures like the Rigveda. It flourished as a centre of education (Banaras Hindu University), culture, and trade during various empires, including the Mauryas and Guptas. Mark Twain aptly said, "Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
The melting pot of Indian music, dance, literature, and traditional art and craft is Varanasi. Kabir, Tulsidas, Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and countless masters of history had their roots in the ancient city of Kashi. Its narrow lanes, just like a maze, echo with classical music, age-old rituals, and Sanskrit karmkaand chants, making it a living museum of India's rich cultural tapestry.
Home to thousands of temples dedicated to various deities, Kashi is the “City of Temples.” A city that is guarded by Shiv Shambhoo himself, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is his home, and millions flock here to bow down. Beyond, each temple in Kashi tells a story that contributes to a glimpse into the varied historical-spiritual line of India.
Ghats alongside the city of Kashi, indefinite in numbers, uncountable, and epic, a few stand out to be the central ghats. ‘The Varanasi’ tucks its spiritual identity, particularly with the “Moksha Ghats” like Manikarnika and Harishchandra, which cremate an old life to generate a vital and new one. Ghats of Kashi are believed to grant liberation (moksha) to those who connect their last wish to be dissolved in eternal powers.
The Shivnagri ‘Banaras’ celebrates festivals, including Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Ganga Mahotsav, & Holi, with a grand glow of its ghats, & the entire city, that celebrates life with unmatched fervour. Festivals here are a fusion of devotion, music, art, and light, drawing thousands who wish to witness its vibrant-spiritual celebrations.
Varanasi, globally renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk sarees, a symbol of Indian craftsmanship and luxury. Woven with beautiful designs, often featuring floral motifs (kadhua) and complex zari work (gold or silver thread), these sarees are treasured handlooms. The art of weaving has been passed down through generations, making each saree a masterpiece that has caught attention from across the world, timelessly.