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Experiencing the Ganges in Varanasi

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Ganges in Varanasi

The Ganges

Known by many names, from Benares to Kashi, the city of Varanasi is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and one of India’s most significant holy sites for Hindus. Straddling the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, the city attracts pilgrims who come to bathe in the Ganges waters, visit famous temples and perform the last rights of their loved ones here; it’s believed that anyone whose ashes are submerged in the Ganges at Varanasi will be liberated from moksha, the cycle of rebirth.

Life in Varanasi is centered around the ghats, steps that lead down to the river from the edge of the city. The different ghats serve different purposes — all of which are holy (although some have other activities going on, such as tea stalls).

Manikarnika Ghat is known as Varanasi’s main funerary spot, and bodies are openly burned on the river’s edge. It’s also home to the Manikarnika shrine, where the goddess incarnation of Sati is believed to have lost an earring after her fatal self-immolation.

Dashashwamedh Ghat — Varanasi’s main ghat — is the best place to be in the evenings, when large and elaborate aartis (religious ceremonies) are conducted by groups of priests.

At the southern end of town, Assi Ghat is among the city’s most popular ghats, and the area around it is popular with Western travelers, though it also gets a good number of pilgrims, especially at sunrise.

Early-morning boat tours depart from Assi Ghat most days, traveling along the river as the sun rises. These boat trips make for excellent sunrise photos, but be aware that photographing funeral rites is considered disrespectful and should be avoided.

Varanasi can be reached from Delhi, Jaipur or Agra via overnight trains, and there are direct flights from Delhi every day. If you’re tight on time, check out the 2-Night Varanasi and Sarnath Tour by Air from New Delhi, which includes a guided tour of the ghats and a boat ride along the Ganges.

Contributed by Margot Bigg

Experiencing the Ganges in Varanasi from India Things to Do


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