Brighter than Eiffel tower on the eve of Dev Dipawali, Benaras is one of the holiest lands on Earth. Ganga is goddess, saints are messengers of God and Moksha is only a step away. Varanasi is a special place, it is crowded and lively. All around you, life is taking place with wonderful. From young boys having a water fight in the Ganges to women sitting preparing food in doorways along the winding alleys, or galis, to bodies being cremated and holy men smoking pipes and grass.
The morning starts with vivid and beautiful Ganga aarti. The priests of temple fall into a single line and perform the ritual in a perfect synchronization. The sacred river, Ganga is what many of the tourists are here for after all. It is a magnificent, flowing proud and strong water body. Hundreds of people lined the ghats, practicing their religion and experiencing the wonder of this magical place. Away from the banks of the Ganges, amongst the laneways, is the sacred Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, where thousands come each week to express their devotion to Lords Rama and Hanuman. The most famous event held at the temple is the Sankat Mochan Sangeet.
Many romantic notions about this historical Indian town are quickly dashed amidst the noise and chaos of the traffic and dust rising all around the city. Leaving the main road and entering a small lane, soon the mystery and intrigue that many expect of this ancient place becomes real. I could almost feel the ghosts of decades gone past that had walked through these tiny streets that snaked behind the magnificent Ganges in a maze. Shopkeepers shouted to gather the public around as they try to sell me their wares, everything from world famous Benares silk to namkeen is traded in these narrow corridors.
Banarasis are known for having a sweet tooth and no meal here is complete without a dessert. Speaking of which, the malliyo and banarasi pan have a special place in everyone’s heart once they have tried it. Maliyo is a winter delicacy and is made in the chilly winter night from milk and cream, seasoned with dry fruits and saffron it is the go to dessert all winter long.
Makhan Maliyo & Varanasi paan
Varanasi chaat
some photos of Varanasi trip
Benaras is more than a city, it is a beating heart with holiness all around.