Mark Twain said: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” I too have always been fascinated by Varanasi. The very mention of this ancient city, nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, brings up images of ancient ghats and the mesmerising Ganga Aarti.
It is a city that has intrigued me for years, and its spiritual essence has had me planning a pilgrimage of my own for a while now. Nestled on the banks of the legendary Ganges River, the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, holds a unique allure for travellers not just from India but from all parts of the world.
So join me as we embark on a journey to explore the spiritual essence of the City of Light.
The ghats in Varanasi are special places where spiritual and everyday life come together. As I stood by the Ganges or Ganga as its commonly known, I saw a row of steps along the riverbank. Each one seemed to me a stage defining a different part of life. People were dipping in the river to wash away their sins, priests were chanting holy words, and families were saying their last goodbyes to loved ones who had passed away. It was a reminder of the cycle of life and death, a sacred ritual that has played out here for centuries.
The ghats weren’t just stone steps leading to the river; they were a testament to the spirit of the city.
Varanasi is renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance globally. It’s a city known for its ancient traditions.
The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the nearest airport to Varanasi.
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant to explore the city’s attractions.
Yes, Varanasi has numerous temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and historic sites like Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
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