Varanasi
Geography
Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi, is a city located on the banks of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with archaeological evidence of settlement dating back to the 11th century BC. The city is considered a holy city in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, and it is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism.
History
Varanasi's history is believed to be more than 3,000 years old. It was a commercial and industrial center famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture during the 3rd century BC when it was under the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. The city's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century, when Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi.
Culture
Varanasi is a cultural hub of North India, offering a unique blend of spiritualism, philosophy, mysticism, and Indian classical music. The city is known for its numerous ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. The city is also famous for its production of silks and brocades with gold and silver threadwork, carpet weaving, wooden toys, bangles made of glass, ivory work, perfumes, artistic brass and copper ware and a variety of handicrafts.
Education
Varanasi is home to several educational institutions, including the ancient Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia. The city also houses other universities and institutions of national importance such as Sampurnanand Sanskrit University and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith.
Tourism
Varanasi is a major tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. The city is known for its numerous temples, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable temples include the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the Durga Temple. The city's ghats are also a major attraction, with the Dashashwamedh Ghat being the most spectacular one. The city also hosts numerous cultural and religious festivals, with the most famous being the Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.