Benaras - The melting pot of India

Benaras, or Varanasi as it is called now, lying on the banks of the Ganga, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is a curious culmination of the old and the new, where tradition has strangely enough outlived and marginalised modernity in a way that is as acceptable to modern India as it was to the earlier periods. Varanasi itself may have embraced modernity, but the buzz of life is around the place on the banks of the Ganga where tradition is alive and kicking and keeps the wheels of business ticking. The place of action is actually the Dashashwamedh Ghat (above), whereupon descends people of all caste, creed and religion to cleanse themselves of their sins and seeks divine blessings.

The action at the ghats of Benaras is fascinating. From the religious minded to the business minded, there is place for all here and everybody flocks to the ghats for salvation, spiritual or monetary, depending on their needs, and of course there are those who flock there just to soak in the atmosphere.

The other fascinating part of Benaras is the Ganga Aarti  held in the evening every day at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a beautifully choreographed act, performed by a group of young pandits, starting with the blowing of conch shells and followed by a swirl of the incense sticks and hand held flames, the acts are extravagant and beautifully executed with hymns being chanted in the background. The experience is pleasing, and the view from the boats parked in front of the ghat is a delight to watch.

Ganga Aarti

The images of Benaras are really fascinating, from the ghats to those famous narrow lanes, the famous bulls on the streets and of course not to be missed is a chance of catching a bullfight absolutely free of cost !

The famous narrow lanes of Benaras

  If you are willing to see the sights and sounds of India, away from the malls
 and multiplexes, the sights and sounds of the ghats of Benaras will fascinate and tickle your senses like nothing you have seen or felt before. Its an experience not to be missed, even if you are not the religious kind. Here there is something for everybody.
   

Two worlds on the same ghat (below)

 

The religious..........and the faithful......on the ghats.