10 Facts About Varanasi You Must Know
Being India’s Kashi or Banaras, Varanasi is known as the City of Lights or as the centerpiece of India’s river, the Ganga. It holds great religious and cultural significance. Moreover, the city is believed to be the oldest city in the world with 3,000 years of history. Varanasi has attracted pilgrims, scholars and travelers for hundreds of years which is further explained with the following 10 facts about the city:
1. One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in the World
Being the oldest city in the world, Varanasi has an enforced history and still remains one of the most populated cities. With evidence showing human existence from the 12th century BC, it has never been unpopulated.
2. The City of Varanasi is a Pilgrimage Site for Hindus
Varanasi has a lot of religious meaning for Hindus. It is thought to be one of the seven holy cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and is believed to have been established by Lord Shiva himself. The city is home to numerous temples, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is visited by millions of worshippers each year. It is also widely accepted that if a person dies in Varanasi and is cremated on the banks of Ganges, they would attain Moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and death).
3. One can never stop the flow of the River Ganges
The River Ganges flows through Varanasi, which makes the city a center for culture and religious worship. Ganges also has many ghats (steps leading to the river) where the rituals can be performed and people cleanse themselves. Some of the most visited ghats are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat. Most notably, Manikarnika Ghat is well-known as a cremation site which epitomizes the endless cycle of living and dying.
4. The Birthplace of Buddhism
Varanasi was integral in the development of Buddhism. Sarnath is a region just 10 kilometers away from the city, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after receiving enlightenment. The event titled “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta” initiated the spread of Buddhism across Asia. Today Sarnath contains a number of stupas, monasteries, and museums that are dedicated to Buddhist teachings.
5. Centre for Classical Literature, Dance, Music and Arts
Varanasi is famous for being an epicenter for Indian Literature and Classical Music, Dance and Arts. The Banaras Gharana, which is well known for being a school of Hindustani classical music, was founded in this region. This city is also home to famous musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Therefore, it is no surprise that Varanasi is famous for its exquisitely designed Banarasi sarees, which feature intricate patterns, due to its silk weaving industry.
6. Enduring Tribute by Mark Twain
Mark Twain, the American author, once visited Varanasi during the 19th century, and stated, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” These words showcase another timeless quality about this city and its charm that goes beyond transcending time and civilizations.
7. The City of Light
Varanasi is also popularly referred to as the “City of Light” or “Kashi” which comes from the Sanskrit word “Kashyapa” meaning ‘luminous’. This city’s name shows its spirituality alongside the illumination from oil lamps that are set at the ghats during evening aarti rituals. These aarti rituals turn the atmosphere magical and help the visitors to go into a trance -like meditative state.
8. A Center for Education and Learning
For centuries, Varanasi has been the prime place for education and other mentally stimulating activities. Old educational organizations such as the Mahabodhi Society and modern ones like the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) carry this forward. BHU was added in 1916 and is one of the biggest residential universities in Asia. Like other universities, it has a myriad of schools including science, engineering, arts, and even humanities.
9. Cultural Diversity And Festivals
Varanasi is a city which welcomes people from different backgrounds and culture while still being itself. The city has people practicing different religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism who live together in harmony. The people of Banaras celebrate all cultures with great ardor. The city is no less than a carnival during the Diwali, Holi, or Maha Shivaratri when the streets are full of colorful processions, devotional songs, and fireworks.
10. UNESCO Recognition and Global Appeal
In Varanasi, UNESCO has not specified it as a World Heritage site yet, but Varanasi Sarnath showcases its rich heritage. Additionally, the world appeal of Varanasi is on the rise and helps it attract numerous tourists, researchers, and explorers from around the globe. The Namami Gange Program is actively working to maintain the sanctity of River Ganges along with the preservation of the region’s tourism.
Conclusion
Varanasi is a city on its own; it offers the beauty of an Indian’s spirituality and culture blended with its vast history. From the city’s roots dating back to ancient civilization to present day Varanasi, the charm along with wisdom and devotion can be felt everywhere. A visit to Varanasi is incomplete if one doesn’t visit its ghats or temples, take a boat ride in the Ganges, which are experiences that leave a long lasting impression. The eternal city has plenty of marvels that are yet to be discovered and the appreciation will be endless, and I hope these ten facts give a sneak-peak of the surprises this city has.
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