Famous pilgrimage - Varanasi

It is the religious centre of the world for Hindus.

The life and activities in the city revolves around the holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims -men, women and children, come down to the river to wait for the rising sun.

All are absorbed in their intense thoughts of salvation, waiting for the moment when immersion in the sacred river will cleanse them of their mundane sufferings and wash their sins away.

Gradually when the sun rises, and the river mists slowly lifts to reveal the magnificent buildings, it gives a solemnity unmatched by any city in the world.

I think it is a wonderful feeling to experience, peace and freedom. What do you think.. Is it the same with you too?

I last visited Varanasi a few years back. A close relative had got admission in I.T.,BHU and we were there to settle him in his new environs.

We took the Kasi Viswanath Express from Delhi. I still remember my visit to the Baba Viswanath temple. There is a famous temple dedicated to Devi Annapoorna nearby. We stayed at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Varanasi.There are so many ghats there including the Daswamedh Ghat and the Manikarnika Ghat.
The city is famous for the world famous Benarsi Sarees - must buy for a bride in many communities at the time of marriage. I will certainly visit Varanasi again, though I have heard there is tight security at the Baba Viswanath Temple.

Home to some of the most ancient monasteries, this is the place where scholars still come to acquire knowledge.

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. Sometimes I feel so proud reading this line. Don't you feel the same?

But except for pilgrimage it is a very good shopping euphoria..

Varanasi is most reputed for the delicate and intricate work on Sarees, Carpets, Wooden works. The famous Banarsi Silk Sarees and Brocades are a rage worldwide. The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir, Thatheri Bazaar. Banaras also offers you Brassware, copperware, Ivoryware and Stone inlay work made by skilled craftsmen.