The unique things to experience in Varanasi, India

06/01/2020   1.211  4.64/5 trong 7 rates 
The unique things to experience in Varanasi, India
Colourful and spiritual are the two words that best describe the charm of Varanasi. Considered to be one of the holiest places around the world, it is visited by millions of Hindus and travellers each year. The experience of the city is beyond words.

 Varanasi is as old as human civilization is. The ancient city nestled at the banks of River Ganges is located in Uttar Pradesh. One of the seven holy cities in India, Varanasi also has the names of Benares and Kashi. From birth to death, every aspect of earthy existence and some say even salvation is achieved only in the 5000-year-old city.
 
  • Witness Grandeur Evening Aarti Ceremony

    Witness Grandeur Evening Aarti CeremonyWitness Grandeur Evening Aarti Ceremony

    Watching Evening Aarti Ceremony is certainly once in a lifetime experience. The spectacular event must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat, where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of your eyes. Brass lamps of large sizes are used during this event, which is accompanied by chants and crowds of people waiting to pray. It is also interesting to watch how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti ceremony. Those who wish to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in evening boats, as this will allow one to easily capture everything in attention.

    Visit at least an hour before the Aarti if you want to gather the experience at its best. At this time, you can witness how five elevated planks are placed at the edge of the steps of the Ghats and brass lamps are cleaned and readied for the occasion. These brass lamps are quite heavy, almost four and half kilograms in weight. Therefore, make sure you carry one only if you are able to hold it in the crowds. As soon as they are lit, spectacular images are formed. The night sky shines with radiance of these lamps while incense sticks will fill the atmosphere with aroma of different types. The Aarti ceremony is performed every night and a 45-minute ritual is held for the same. The usual time it is 6: 45 in the evening.

  • Take a Holy Bath in Ganges

    Take a Holy Bath in GangesTake a Holy Bath in Ganges

    River Ganges is considered to the holiest Hindu River. Legends suggest that taking a dip in the holy waters here will offer salvation of sins and purification of the soul. In fact, the religious texts of Hinduism widely suggest that one should get a salvation by bathing in River Ganges to purify all sins accumulated in current or previous births. Varanasi has 84 Ghats and their steps lead to the River Ganges. The Ghats can be accessed easily and used for dipping or taking bath in Ganga. To complement this, travellers are recommended to opt for boat rides, which will help you gain insight into the culture and historical significance of the mystical river.

  • Boat Ride in Ganges River

    Boat Ride in Ganges RiverBoat Ride in Ganges River

    Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this River and the region. The best time to enjoy the boat ride of the Ganges River is from 5:30 AM to 8 AM. This is when the colour and clamour of the place will enthrall you. Travelers will be surprised to see that the city is awake and cheery even during 5 in the morning.

    Morning experience of the boat ride will leave an indelible imprint on your heart, especially because you will get to see the faith that people have in River Ganges. During the ride, don’t be surprised to see Sadhus and pilgrims bathing and performing prayers in front of you. This entire ride will unfold the religious significance of Varanasi and why River Ganges is revered all over the world. It usually starts from Dasawamedh Ghat, goes to the Harishchandra Ghat and then back. In the evening, you can see how women from all over the world light lotus flower candles and set it adrift in the water. You can also opt for the Ganges Aarti ceremony at the Dasawamedh Ghat.

  • Explore Varanasi Temples

    Explore Varanasi TemplesExplore Varanasi Temples

    Best known for its Ghats and Temples, a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without the best temples of this city. There is one on almost every road and road crossing in Varanasi. While the small temples are used for daily local prayers and rituals, larger ones are associated with Hindu history and mythology. These places of worship are regularly visited by travellers in large numbers. They also reflect the architecture in India.

    The most popular temple here is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Also called the Golden Temple, this place of interest was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holker of Indore. The Vishwanath or the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is enshrined in here. The place of worship is also popular because Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated huge amounts of gold. Using the same gold, two domes of temples were constructed. Durga Temple, built during the 18th century is also popular in this city. According to legends, the statue of Goddess Durga in here was made by the Goddess herself. Every year, devotees visit this revered place during auspicious occasions, particularly Navratri.

  • Go for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath

    Go for a Sightseeing Tour of SarnathGo for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath

    Just a few kilometers away from Varanasi, is the sleepy village of Singhpur, known as the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. While Varanasi is a Hindu religious centre, Singhpur’s Sarnath is a Buddhist centre of religion. Visit to this village, which is known for its Buddhist monuments, is one of the best things to do in Varanasi and nearby areas. Sarnath is also referred to a deer park, which is the place where Gautama Buddha first came and taught about the concept of Dharma.

    During the morning, one can revel in the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa, which is one of the main stupas built by Ashoka after he converted into Buddhism. Another main attraction is the Dhammek Stupa, made from a blend of stone and bricks. The stupa is 28 meters in diameter and has a height of 43.6 meters. Alternate theorists and historians from other countries suggest that the dome of this stupa indirectly refers to aliens and UFOs. The intricate floral carvings of this stupa are reflective of the early Gupta style of architecture. The other highlight of Sarnath is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which is a monument that showcases beautiful frescoes made by a Japanese painter. This area is a rich repository of the culture and heritage of Buddhism. To gain more insight into Buddhism and to be enthralled by this history of this place, you can visit Sarnath Museum.

  • Stroll Along the Ghats

    Stroll Along the GhatsStroll Along the Ghats

    Exploring the Ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The city has almost a hundred Ghats, the steps of each leading the banks of River Ganges. These are bathing Ghats, praying Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus from all over the world. It makes them alluring and enthralling for a traveller as it is associated with some legend or mythologies. Some of the major Ghats that one can visit during their trip to Varanasi includes the Mata Anandamai Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Scindia Ghat and Raj Ghat.

    Dashashwamedh Ghat is perhaps the most popular. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and therefore, its spectacular appearance makes it an enchanting place to visit in Varanasi. The Ghat is associated with two Hindu mythologies. One of these suggests that this where Lord Brahma welcomed Lord Shiva. The other states the place where Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during a Yajna. Every day, saints here perform Worship to Fire or Agni Pooja, which is a charismatic and spectacular event to watch. Apart from this, Lalita Ghat is a destination worth visiting. Built by King of Nepal, it is the site of Keshav Temple and a number of local festivals are organized at this place. For cremating electrically, a crematorium has been set in Harishchandra Ghat.

  • Visit Historical Ramnagar Fort

    Visit Historical Ramnagar FortVisit Historical Ramnagar Fort

    A popular fortification, Ramnagar Fort is located in Varanasi. It is one of the best places to see on a monotonous afternoon. The fortification on the eastern bank of River Ganges is known for its cream-colored Chunar Sandstone, which gives it a strong, sophisticated appearance. Although it isn’t as old as usual forts in the country, it is popular around the world for its strong, lavish appearance. The fascinating structure is one of the best places for tourists and history buffs. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, this castle is the best representation of Mughal style of architecture.

  • Shopping in Varanasi's Local Market

    Shopping in Varanasi's Local MarketShopping in Varanasi's Local Market

    Shopping in Varanasi is the best thing to do on a free afternoon or evening. The city is widely famous for its silk saris and ornate jewels. Visit the local market to buy different items of interest. The intricate pattern of floral designs and elaborate zari or thread work saris must be purchased from this beautiful place. The local market here is filled with illustrious fine silk and apart from saris, one can buy shawls, carpets, stone inlay work, bangles and idols of Hindu or Buddhist deities. The main shopping areas to explore in this city include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar, Chowk and Godowilia.

Source: thrillophilia

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Xuân Đào

Xuân Đào


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