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Caption: Varanasi The holy city
Caption: The land of Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Ofter referred to as Banaras, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world.
Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
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Varanasi
Caption: Century old houses in Benaras.
Each door has a story to tell, each lane has the fragrance of numerous memories, happy and sad. Each person has a story to tell.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: Children flying kites on the banks of river Ganges.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: India's favourite beverage. Help yourself with a cup of hot cardamom tea.
Sit by the Ganges and admire the beauty god has created.
Feel the passion in the hearts of people. Hear the temple bells ring and the Aarti being sung.
Picture of Varanasi
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
Mark Twain
Picture of Varanasi
Varanasi
Caption: Hindus pay homage to their ancestors and to their gods by cupping the water in their hands, lifting it and letting it fall back in the water. They offer flower and rose petals and float clay dishes filled with oil and cotton in the water, ofter referred to as Diyas.
Picture of Varanasi
Varanasi
Caption: The Harishchandra Ghat
Harish Chandra Ghat is one of the oldest Ghats of Varanasi. Harish Chandra Ghat is name after a mythological King Harish Chandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the perseverance of truth and charity. It is believed that the Gods rewarded him for his resolve, charity and truthfulness and restored his lost throne and his dead son to him.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: Take a boat ride from any of the Ghats and you'll be rewarded by such a beautiful sight.
Picture of Varanasi
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: A child enjoying a dip in the Ganges on a hot summer day.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: A group of priests daily in the evening at this ghat perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga (the Ganges), Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
Picture of Varanasi
Picture of Varanasi
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: A Sadhu sitting on the stairs leading to the Ghat.
Sadhus of India. They are sadhus, India's wandering holy men. They have renounced their worldly life, said goodbye to both their possessions and their families, and now lead a life of celibacy, ascetic yoga, and a search for enlightenment.
Picture of Varanasi
Caption: Busy Bazaar streets in Varanasi
Picture of Varanasi
