Benares is an Indian city located on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a city well connected with cities such as Calcutta, Agra or Delhi and has an international airport. But above all, Benares is considered the holiest city of the seven holy cities. It is an important place of worship and also a place of great interest for tourists who want to learn from the traditions.
Let's see what is of interest for travelers the city of Benares. This city that grew due to industry was a cultural center of great importance for thousands of years, so that we find a mixture of development and traditions.
History of Benares
Apparently there were already populations in this area on the banks of the Ganges in the XNUMXth century BC. In this place in India as early as the XNUMXth century people came in search of the cultural and religious center in which it had become. Beliefs say that one of the four heads of the god Brahma rested in this place and hence today it remains a very important pilgrimage site and a religious center in India. Furthermore, according to Hinduism, everyone who dies in the city of Benares will be freed from the cycle of reincarnations. This place currently attracts many Hindu pilgrims who immerse themselves in the waters of the Ganges River considered sacred waters and who perform various funeral rites. That is why it has also become a tourist place to learn more about Indian culture.
The Ganges River
The river Ganges travel thousands of kilometers from the Himalayas and six of them pass directly through the city of Benares, a place of pilgrimage where this river considered sacred is of great importance both in rituals and in daily life. We know that one of the most seen images of India is that of the typical steps that lead to the Ganges, a place where city dwellers bathe or perform different activities. Being a religiously very important city, we know that we will see some interesting ritual here. But the Ganges is a river that despite being sacred has a high level of contamination with waters that always seem dirty. It is possible to take a boat ride on the river but you should not drink that water or swim in the river.
In these waters they not only bathe, but also they often wash clothes and even deposit human or animal corpses. However, Hindus believe that these waters are sacred and that is why it is good to bathe in them, so that we can see many people doing this.
The ghats
One of the places where we stop the most is the famous ghats. These are the areas of stairways that connect the city with the Ganges River. These stands are very common in Benares, as there are about ninety along the river. These ghats are numerous but some are more popular than others. I know recommend visiting Dasashwamedh ghat, one of the best known and a place where you often see people bathing and performing their rituals. In addition, it is close to the Vishwanath Temple, which only Hindus can access but can be seen from the outside. Other of the best known ghats are Manikarnika or Scindia.
Aarti religious ceremony
If there is something that we cannot miss in Benares, it is attending a religious ceremony on the Ganges River. In the Dasashwamedh ghat is where this ceremony takes place in the afternoon in which fire, traditional dances and music are mixed in a unique environment. This ceremony can be see from the river by boat or from the ghat itselfSince everyone can attend, this is why it is so popular with tourists going to Varanasi. In addition, during the ceremony you can take the opportunity to buy something from the many street vendors in the area.
Hindu University in Benares
This city it also has a university campus. It was built in the XNUMXth century and has several buildings that have an Indian Gothic structure, with an interesting inspiration. They are old buildings with a great presence that tourists tend to like for their originality.
Practice yoga in Varanasi
We know that the Yoga discipline is very popular in India and there are many people who go there in search of spiritual peace and to perfect this art. In Benares we will find places to do yoga, although on the ghats it is also common to see people meditating. There are several yoga centers that can be visited to enjoy a session in a place of great spiritual importance.