BANARAS KA THAAT BAAT

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A short, sweet and simple trip to Banaras, the city of light can refresh
your soul.recently me and my family visited banaras for a small holiday.
We booked an online cab there to travel around the city.
Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. One of
the
seven Holy
Cities, one
of the
twelve
Jyotir Linga
sites and
also a
Shakti Pitha
site, it is the
most
favored
place for
Hindus to
die and be
cremated.
Myths and hymns speak of the waters of the Ganges River as the fluid
medium of Shiva's divine essence and a bath in the river is believed to
wash away all of one's sins. The particular river-side location of Banaras
is considered especially potent because, in less than six miles (ten
kilometers), the Ganges is met by two other rivers, the Asi and the
Varana. Commenting of this specific location of Banaras along the river
Ganges, the Hindu scripture Tristhalisetu explains that
Here is a list of some of the best things to do
inVaranasi/Banaras :

Morning Boat Ride in Ganges River

Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride
along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different
Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this
River and the region.
The best time to enjoy boat ride of the Ganges River is from 5:30 AM to 8 AM. This is when the
colour and clamour of the place will enthral you. Travellers will be surprised to see that the city is
awake and cheery
even during 5 in
the morning.
Morningexperienc
e of the boat ride
will leave an
indelible imprint
on your heart,
especially
because you will
get to see the faith
that people have
in River Ganges.
During the ride,
dont be surprised
to see Sadhus
and pilgrims
bathing and
performing
prayers in front of
you. This entire ride will unfold the religious significance of Varanasi and why River Ganges is
revered all over the world.
Mostly, an hour long boat ride is ideal to give the traveller a taste of what this city has to offer. It
usually starts from Dasawamedh Ghat, goes to the Harishchandra Ghat and then back. In the
evening, you can see how women from all over the world light lotus flower candles and set it adrift in
water. You can also opt for Ganges Aarti ceremony at the Dasawamedh Ghat. Travellers can access
boats from Manmandir area.

Stroll Along the Ghats

Exploring the Ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The city has almost a hundred
Ghats, the steps of each leading the banks of River Ganges. These are bathing Ghats, praying
Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus from all over the world. It makes them alluring and enthralling
for a traveller as it is associated with some legend or mythologies.

The privately owned ones here are known for

morning boat rides which provide impeccable,
panoramic views of the place. Some of the
major Ghats that one can visit during their trip
to Varanasi includes the Mata Anandamai
Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi
Ghat, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat,
Scindia Ghat and Raj Ghat.
Of these, Dashashwamedh Ghat is perhaps the
most popular. It is located close toVishwanath
Temple and therefore, its spectacular
appearance makes it an enchanting place to visit in Varanasi. The Ghat is associated with two Hindu
mythologies.
One of these suggests that this where Lord Brahma welcomed Lord Shiva. The other states the
place where Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during a Yajna. Every day, saints here perform
Worship to Fire or Agni Pooja, which is a charismatic and spectacular event to watch.

Explore Varanasi Temples

Best known for its Ghats and Temples, a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without the best temples of
this city. There is one on almost every road and road crossing in Varanasi. While the small temples
are used for daily local prayers and rituals, larger ones are associated with Hindu history and
mythology. These places of worships are regularly visited by travellers in large numbers. They also
reflect the architecture in India.

The most popular temple here is the

Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Also called
the Golden Temple, this place of
interest was built in 1780 by Queen
Ahilyabai Holker of Indore. The
Vishwanath or the Jyotirlinga of Lord
Shiva is enshrined in here. The place of
worship is also popular because Sikh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated huge
amounts of gold. Using the same gold,
two domes of temples were constructed.
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Witness Grandeur Evening AartiCeremony

Watching Evening Aarti Ceremony is certainly once in a lifetime experience. The spectacular event
must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat, where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of
your eyes. Brass lamps of large sizes are used during this event, which is accompanied by chants
and crowds of people waiting to pray.

Visit at least an hour before the Aarti if you want to gather the experience at its best. At this time, you
can witness how five elevated planks are placed at the edge of the steps of the Ghats and brass
lamps are cleaned and readied for the occasion.

It is also interesting to watch how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti
ceremony. Those who wish to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in evening
boats, as this will allow one to easily capture everything in attention.
These brass lamps are quite heavy, almost four and half kilograms in weight. Therefore, make sure
you carry one only if you are able to hold it in the crowds. As soon as they are lit, spectacular images
are formed. The night sky shines with radiance of these lamps while incense sticks will fill the
atmosphere with aroma of different types. The Aarti ceremony is performed every night and a 45
minute ritual is held for the same. The usual time it is 6: 45 in the evening.

Shoppingin Varanasi's Local Market

Shopping in Varanasi is the best thing to do on a free afternoon or evening. The city is widely
famous for its silk saris and ornate jewels. Visit the local market to buy different items of interest. The
intricate pattern of floral designs and elaborate zari or thread work sarismust be purchased from this
beautiful place.
The local market here is filled with illustrious fine silk and apart from saris, one can buy shawls,
carpets, stone inlay work, bangles and idols of Hindu or Buddhist deities. The main shopping areas
to explore in this city include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar, Chowk and Godowilia.