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If there was one place I wish to revisit, it is Varanasi in India, or sometimes known as Benares.
In 2018, my sisters and I went to India. Our initial itinerary included Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, which is also known as the Golden Triangle. But after much contemplation, we decided to add Varanasi to the list and that made all the difference to the trip.
I’ve visited many parts of India before. Each place is different in terms of language, food, customs and more. Honestly, though, India is not for the finicky traveller as it can get rather challenging sometimes.
Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh, known as one of the oldest cities in the world. As most of my previous travels had been inspired by movies, this trip too came about after watching Naan Kadavul (I Am God) in 2012.
I had a list of things I wanted to do, including taking a picture with an Aghori sadhu (spiritual ascetic) and witnessing a Ganga Aarthi (grand prayers). An Aghori sadhu is someone who is said to have healing powers.
A trip to Varanasi is never complete without a visit to the river bank. You need to be there before dawn to join the pilgrims and enjoy the serenity and calmness of the River Ganges.
We walked to the river bank to witness the beautiful sunrise, and went on a boat ride later. We saw many ghats (a flight of stairs leading to the river) such as the Asi ghat, Man Mandir ghat and Manikarnika ghat, where families bring the dead for cremation.
Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi allows one to achieve liberation from reincarnation.
The boat ride allowed us to have a closer look at the river bank and its surrounding. We saw some people dipping themselves in the Ganges, and performing rituals.
The city was preparing for a colourful Holi celebration. The upbeat music and vibrant decorations put everyone in a happy mood. Later in the evening, we went back to the river bank for the Ganga Aarthi, which is performed every evening and morning by the Ganges. The entire place was illuminated by huge brass lamps and lights.
When the priests started chanting some mantras, it sort of put me in a spell. I will never forget that experience. I felt so blessed to have witnessed such a divine and magnificent moment.
Another place of interest in Varanasi is the Kashi Wishwanath temple, the oldest, holiest and richest temple to commemorate Lord Shiva. One should also try to go for a stroll along the river banks or to visit the local markets.
Of course, local food is something you need to try too.
As Mark Twain said of Varanasi in Following The Equator (1897), “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
This is indeed true.
The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.
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