The Ghats of absolution.

VARANASI

Uttar Pradesh

On the banks of Ganga, is Varanasi, the holiest of the seven sacred cities as considered in Hinduism, Ravidassia religion and Jainism. Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. In the Rigveda, the city is referred to as Kashi, the luminous city, and an eminent seat of learning.

While there remains a glimpse of old Benaras in its labyrinth of narrow winding lanes flanked by roadside shops and scores of Hindu temples, the main city is fast developing far from the river bank. But the pulse of the city still remains in the colorful and chaotic Ghats, where pilgrims perform ritual cleansing as they wash away a lifetime of sins or cremate their loved ones. This is integral to the concept of divinity in Hinduism. From a boat ride in the Ganges to a stroll along its Ghats, Varanasi is overpowering in its sights, sounds and smells.

Nickname: “Shiv ki Nagri”, “The religious capital of India”

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