Varanasi, which is additionally well-known as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi, is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It’s located in the neighborhood of the Ganges River in the southeastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The ghats on the banks of the holy river, the Ganges, in Varanasi.

History

It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities within the world and was the location of an Aryan settlement before the 2nd millennium BC. It became an independent kingdom within the 18th century, and under subsequent British rule, it remained a billboard and spiritual center. In 1947, after Indian independence, Varanasi became a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Geography and Climate

Varanasi is positioned at an elevation of 80.71 meters in the center of the Ganges valley of North India, in the Eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, along the left crescent-shaped bank of the Ganges, ranging between 15 meters and 21 meters above the river. The city is the headquarters of the Varanasi district.

Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate with wide fluctuations between summer and winter temperatures. The dry summer begins in April and lasts till June, followed by the monsoon season from July to October. The temperatures dip across the city in the winter from December to February due to cold waves from the Himalayan region.

Culture

Varanasi has the best river frontage in India, with miles of ghats, or steps, for religious bathing; an array of shrines, temples, and palaces rises tier on tier from the water’s edge. There are countless schools and Brahman pandits, that are chargeable for the continuation of traditional learning. The city is host to numerous religious festivals. Mahashivaratri, the extravagant night of the god Shiva, is well-known by a procession from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishvanath Temple.

The Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva

The Ganga festival in November or December is devoted to the goddess of the Ganges River, considered sacred by all Hindus. The festival of Bharat Milap commemorates the reunion of Lord Rama along with his younger brother Bharat after 14 years of exile. A five-day festival of dhrupad in March attracts renowned artists from everywhere India to the city’s Tulsi Ghat along the river.

Ganga Aarti, is a Hindu ritual performed every evening along the Ganges River in Varanasi.

Striking facts about Varanasi

It is believed that this holy city of God is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It’s adhered once to be the house of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
This place has countless temples dedicated to Shaivism and Vaishnavism, and both these forms of Hinduism stick together here consonant.
A very uncanny and amazing custom is practiced in this city, i.e, frog marriage, which is especially done in the rainy season at the Ashwamedh Ghat. The priest performs the ceremony of wedding a pair of frogs and then they’re then left into the river.

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

This place is a prominent symbol of the Hindu new beginning as it is a hub of culture, knowledge, devotion, art, craft, music, dance, and philosophy. A noteworthy fact about Varanasi is that a variety of famous literary geniuses like Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das hail from this city. Ravi Shankar and also the shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, the leading legends of the industry even have their roots in this particular place.
The largest University in Asia that’s Banaras Hindu University, founded by the famous leader Madan Mohan Malviya, is additionally an element of this place.
It is not only the spiritual capital of the state but also a number one trading center as a good amount of trade is finalized here. It’s also recognized for the intricate silver and gold brocades and also the famous Banarasi silk. A renowned carpet-weaving center is at Bhadoi. Wooden toys, bangles product of glass, ivory work, and brassware are also produced in Varanasi.

Handmade carpets of Bhadohi.

A picturesque destination, this place has been featured in a very number of flicks. It has also been used for shooting purposes.
Varanasi is considered a major regional transportation hub.