Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world in set in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In spite of its filthy conditions, it lure thousands of Hindu pilgrims all over the world every year. Repose lethargically on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi is spotted with numerous temples, colorful shops and illustrious ghats. The religious capital for time immemorial, Varanasi ghats are renowned for wash away sins, thats why people across the globe come to experience the religious fervor that perhaps unmatched with any place. The long chain of ghats are used for many purpose. There are separate ghats for bathing, cremation and daily rituals, are the prime attraction in Varanasi.
Sparkling images of river Ganga and ghats can mesmerize anyone. Varanasi is stood for its ghats, it is the soul of Varanasi and one cannot miss the impression of ancient city in the middle of cybernetic world. More than 80 ghats embellished Varanasi in different different aspects. There are ghat truly dedicated to worship of deities and some are simply for bathe. Some ghats are for rituals of Hindu after the cremation. Worshipers rushing to the ghat early morning to bathe in the Ganga to purify themselves and then daily rituals in different temples lining the riverbanks. Not only the resident but pilgrims from different part of the globe making offerings to holy Ganga and take part in rituals that last for several hours. The view of the early morning in Varanasi ghats is any photographer's delight.
There are number of ghats of Varanasi, which holds religious significance. Dasaswamedh, Assi, Manikarnika Panch Ganga and Tulsi ghats are prominent among them. A famous temple on Lord Ram stands on Tulsi Ghat. In contrary to different Hindu temples, a small mosque can be spotted on the Panch – Ganga ghat, also known as Alamgir Mosque.
“ It was an amazing experience, it seemed that i came to an old civilization.” said Jonathan Kingsley on his visit to Varanasi in the year 2007.
Varanasi Came Into Celluloid Focus.
Prominent Indian film maker Satyajit Ray was so obsessive with Varanasi ghats that he made some his memorable films in the backdrop of Varanasi.
Famous Ghats
Dasaswamedh Ghat - The name Dasaswamedh signifies lord Brahma sacrifice 10 horses here. Situated in the central of Varanasi, it is the busiest among all. Its always a nice and typical experience to sit on the ghat and drench up to the atmosphere. It is one of famous pilgrimage spot in India.
Assi Ghat - The ghat is named after holy river Assi. Located in the southernmost part of Varanasi where river Assi meets Ganga. Bathing at this ghat before aritual worship nearby by peepal tree is very common sight. Also near by the ghat a humble marble temple is set.
Manikarnika Ghat – It is cremation ghat that usually located outside the town but doesn’t hold much water for Manikarnika ghat, which is all set in the middle of town. It has a great significance in the life of people not because Hindu mythology but because of philosophy of life and death.
Boat Ride - Do not miss the boat ride along the banks of Ganga. It is a fascinating ride in the early morning when you laid-back on the roof of a boat and watching the crowd engage in different rituals. People for a brief sinks in the river, doing exercise, priest performing daily rituals and so on.....
Don’t miss the early morning rituals in the ghats.
Ride a rickshaw and wander around the city. The intricate lanes and bylanes are truly perplexing. No city have such mysterious narrow zigzag lanes.
Buy a silk sari from here. Varanasi is always special for silk saries.
Manikarnika ghat is famous for cremation. Although weird but see a cremation there.
Invaluable Suggestions
Varanasi is one of the crowded place and its really stinks. So prepare for it. Beware of touts and fake travel agents.
Never accost Ganga as a dirty river. It hurts to Hindu sentiments.
Feel the ambiance by wearing something orange, represents color of peace and happiness.
Do not take pictures without prior permission.
Walk barefoot on sacred space.
During huge ceremonies, do not sidelined yourself with rest instead immerse with crowd.
By Air : Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a. direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra,. Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. For travel reservations contact Indian Airlines.
By Rail : The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country.
By Road : Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH29 to GoraKhpur is connected to the rest of the country
