Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Banaras is a place of great religious and cultural importance located in Uttar Pradesh state of North India. It is a city that has attracted people from all over the world for centuries for its rich history, beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.
A walk through the narrow lanes of Banaras will take you
to another world. The city is a maze of ancient buildings, numerous temples and
numerous ghats (wharfs), through which the holy river Ganga flows. Vendors sell
everything from street food to handmade crafts all over this bustling city.
The most famous attraction in Banaras is the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in India and
is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the heart of the city, this temple is
visited by lakhs of devotees every year. The history of this temple is very
old. It is believed that the original temple was built more than 2,000 years
ago.
Another popular attraction of Banaras is Dashashwamedh Ghat. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, this ghat is the most famous in the city. This ghat is known for Sandhya Aarti, where devotees pray to the river Ganga. The evening Ganga aarti here is a mesmerizing sight. The practice of lighting hundreds of lamps and floating them in the river is a very common custom followed by the people here.
The city is also famous for its delicious street food.
Some of the popular dishes include chaat, kachori, lassi, and cold sweet drinks.
The street food of Banaras is a wonderful blend of flavors and aromas,
especially the dairy products here are of excellent quality.
Banaras also has the famous Banarasi silk sarees. These sarees are known for their perfect designs and are considered one of the best in India. The sarees are hand-woven by skilled weavers. A good quality saree can take up to a month to complete.
If you are looking for peace and calmness in Banaras, then Sarnath is the perfect destination. This place is located just a few kilometers from the city of Banaras and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his followers after attaining nirvana. The place has a calm and peaceful atmosphere with the presence of the ancient stupas and temples. There is also an informative museum.
Banaras is also famous for its music and dance traditions. The city is the birthplace of some of India's most famous musicians and dancers. Watching the music and dance performances of Banaras is a unique experience that has mesmerized art and music lovers for ages.
The River 'Ganges' at Banaras (Varanasi)
Traveling to Benares by train from Kolkata is very convenient. Benares is a city where history buffs, foodies, spiritual seekers or art-culture lovers, all have plenty of opportunities to fill their bags of experience. A perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern culture, this city, once visited, will remain in our memories for a lifetime.
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