Varanasi

The venerated and much-revered pilgrimage center of Hindus – Varanasi – is one of the oldest living cities in the world that rests on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India. Also known as Kashi and Banaras, Varanasi is the cultural capital of India and was the seat of learning in the past. Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself established this holy city and now it is the ‘abode of Lord Shiva’.

Varanasi is so intertwined with divinity that people believe that to die here is to attain salvation. Thousands visit the city to spend the last days of their life. The importance of Varanasi in Hindu religion is not only because of the great number of holy temples or the spirituality of the place but also because of the important role it has played in defining and shaping Hindu culture. For generations, the people of Varanasi have been exponents and perpetuators of great music, literature, art and craft and also Vedic philosophy.

Varanasi is a place of many attractions of different genres. The great ancient temples here are a subject of devotion and reverence. The mesmerizing ghats of Varanasi are known throughout the world and have been portrayed in many movies and documentaries. It is a place where you can immerse into the heart and soul of Hindu beliefs and culture and have real-life experiences in the doctrine of Hindu religion.

Add the lush greenery around the banks of the rivers in Varanasi to the air of spirituality, you have an enchanting city!

The following photographs portray the life in this city that never sleeps.