Varanasi – Know it before you Reach

Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, 'paan' and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days, Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. The most important and beautiful place in Varanasi indeed is are the GHATS.

Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. As pandits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place. You may or may not believe in this but you will surely feel the immense power in this place. Varanasi is surely a place painted on a canvas of God.  Here are few things you must know before visiting Varanasi.

1.  This town is surreal & Fantastic

If you are have little patience with things complex, sublime, and chaotic, Varanasi will not appeal you. It’s crumbling, poetic, and eccentric. Goats wearing sweaters, old men taking dips, boys flying kites, and burning bodies are everyday sights. As the holiest of seven sacred cities for Hindus, it’s a pilgrim-drawing spiritual capital of India. It’s also an important stop for Buddhists, because the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon in nearby Sarnath.

2.  Banaras architecture. 

Some ghats consist of buildings from the Rajput era, large havelis with big domes. Some are tall buildings from the Vijayanagara Empire, like those found in South India, which are older. Sometimes new-age glass structures can be found next to ancient monoliths. There are no rules in Varanasi. It is not preserved or UNESCO-guarded, so buildings are built on top of others, and sometimes inside other buildings. But overall, its mesmerizing.

3.  Philosophize, it is usual thing here

One of the oldest universities in the country is in Varanasi. Banaras Hindu University, or B.H.U, is one of the forerunners of philosophy and art studies in the country. Banaras, as a city, takes the air of contemplation. Many people come here to write. Tulsidas, the author of one of the great Indian epics, the Ramayana, lived in Varanasi for a time. You will hear people on the ghats discuss the trivialities of the material world. Sometimes they will rope you in and ask you what you think. Don’t be afraid to contribute. There is no right or wrong in Varanasi.

5.  Go for life lessons, not for leisure. 

There isn’t really a place in Varanasi to unwind and relax. The last time I was there, my friends and I met travelers who complained about hygiene, space, and noise. If you are looking to relax and drink chilled beer, go to Goa. Varanasi is a bustling city with more than 3.5 million occupants known locally as Banarasis. It lacks services and infrastructure, and has been exploited by the state government for decades. It will not give you fruity drinks. It might, however, teach you a few things about the cycle of life and death. 

6.  Bring cash, time, and an open mind. 

Time moves slowly here. If you need money, train tickets, a bus booking, don’t expect it to be prompt. Here in Varanasi, jobs are split five ways: when a boat needs to be booked, you will talk to a man who will talk to a man who will talk to another man who will finally send an 11-year-old your way. This is the oldest city in the world: it may feel like a strange way of life, but there’s nothing to do but embrace it.

7.  Hinduism originated here, but it’s not just Hindu. 

Varanasi takes its identity from the great Hindu epics, but like every other city in India, it hosts many religions. Muslims, Hindus, a handful of Jews, and Japanese Buddhists all cohabit.

8.  Banarasis eats dessert for breakfast

And lunch, And dinner. And cream with everything. Rasmalai, Lassi, Rabdi and Rabdi Jalebi are a regular part of their meals or even like a munching snack when not doing anything

9.  Avoid Auto Rickshaw, Instead walk. 

The heart of Varanasi lies along the river, on ghats—a series of steps leading to the river’s edge—each staircase divided by history, religion, livelihood, and myth. A linear walk through the ghats is the only way to see the city’s many cultures. Taking an autorickshaw may irritate you for traffic and you may get more tired coordinating with him on your locations, so just walk.

10.  NO skinny dip in the Ganga. 

The Ganges is one of the oldest rivers in the world, and is India’s most sacred. According to myth, the Ganges comes from the goddess Ganga, who fell to earth and liberated the souls of many caught in sin. Indians believe that it’s a tirtha—a crossing point between heaven and earth—and that washing in the holy water cleanses them of sin. Lots of tourists and pilgrims come from across the country for a small dip in the river. Refrain from skinny dipping, and swimming too far out. For that too, there’s always Goa not Varanasi.

11.  The summer is too Hot

Varanasi, like the rest of the North Indian plains, is not pleasant in summer. Temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius  Moods will dampen, food will decay, and the whole city will take an extreme turn into chaos. In summer, stick to the mountains. I went there in Summer once and my friend Sam almost fainted.

12.  Beware of the monkeys. 

Banarasis are known to have trained monkeys do some of their work. They call these monkeys by human names. The monkeys do anything from picking up trash to delivering breakfast. They have been known to throw tantrums and snatch cameras. One word suggestion - BEWARE

13.  Benarasis talk in rhyme? 

Banarasis like to talk in rhyme, perhaps because the city has a strong tradition of lyrical songs. If you ask them a question, they will often try to rhyme the answer. No matter if it isn’t the correct answer to your question; the rhyme takes precedence. So be sure to take everything with a grain of salt, and a hint of doubt. Just when you are about to leave you may hear “aabhi na jao chod kar” song coming from someone. Just smile and leave.

14.  Banarasis are Music Lovers. 

If you hear a powerful voice springing from the river sometime during dawn, it might just be boatman throwing his voice around the Ganga. If you tend towards musical abilities, take a class. Look around the ghats. There will be posters advertising classes for sitar—a traditional Indian string instrument—or tabla—a kind of drum—in case you’ve got a few days. If not, there’s plenty to watch.

15.  Hold yourself, they speak French too.

The city gets around 200,000 tourists each year, and though English is the most widely spoken foreign language, locals have quickly adapted to the influx of European tourists and will mimic various expressions they have picked up. You might hear someone shout “Que pasa! Que Tomato!” but you might also find the odd 12-year-old who can hold an entire conversation in French.

16.  Paan, wo bhi Banarasi

 Banarasi Pan – something this city has given the whole nation and also to the neighbours.  You must be open to try it if not tried ever. Ask for a meetha pan, or else be ready for a head twister.

17.  Bhaang  

Lassi is often spiked with bhang here, Bhang has a centuries-long tradition on the subcontinent, both as an intoxicant and for medicinal purposes, but it’s big in Varanasi because it’s linked to worshipping Lord Shiva. You may try in Varnasi, but beware of heavy dose. It may take you on a trip.

18.  Varanasi is poor, but doesn’t like to talk about it. 

More than 40 percent of Banarasis live below the poverty line. The city, part of Uttar Pradesh, has a weak and indifferent government. There are no resources for developing infrastructure, education, or basic livelihood. The city’s middle class is small, and most people have to try their luck on the streets.

19.  Competitive sport is big. 

This small, crowded, crumbling city loves badminton. The saying goes that beating a banarasi at badminton is like beating a Russian at drinking. Banarasis also love solo football, and diving in the Ganges to collect coins. You can place bets on this activity: Sunday afternoon means brunch on the riverside and betting on 10-year-olds diving into the river.

20.  No party like Shivratri. 

Mahashivratri, in Banaras, makes it large. Shivratri, the birthday of Banaras’s patron saint and the world’s favorite psychedelic god Shiva, is a big party in Varanasi. Locals come together to offer their city to their god. Thousands of people take an early morning dip in the Ganges, visit the Kashi Visvanath temple to offer their devotion and join a street parade at night. There will be men draped in leopard skin (like the one worn by Lord Shiva) and women in their best saris. One of the best time to Visit Varanasi.

21.  Take many boat rides. 

Ganges is a canvas to all kinds of moods. Make it in time for sunrise, or stay for sunset. Walking through the walled city is a languid, perfect pastime, but don’t forget to spend time on the river

"Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, And looks twice as old as all of them put together " So well said by a famous poet.  Plan a trip now, you have a brief introduction of Varanasi now.