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Varanasi

IndiaAsia
Explore Varanasi in Nearaway.in

Local Greeting

Namaste / Jai Shri Ram

How locals say hello in Varanasi

Best Time to Visit

Winter (Novemberโ€“February) โ€” avoid monsoon for ghat walks

Must Eat

Banarasi paan (betel leaf)Kachori sabzi (breakfast classic)Lassi from Blue Lassi shop (since 1925)Malaiyyo (winter-only frothy saffron dessert)Tamatar chaat

Local Tip

Hire a boat at dawn to witness the Ganga Aarti from the water โ€” watching from the ghats is crowded. Negotiate the price before boarding.

Origin Story

Ancient
๐Ÿ“… Founded circa 1200 BCEOriginally Kashi (เค•เคพเคถเฅ€) โ€” City of LightBy Attributed to the god Shiva in tradition; historically settled by ancient Aryan peoples

Varanasi is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with settlement traceable to at least 1200 BCE โ€” older than Rome, older than Athens. Hindus call it Kashi, City of Light, and believe that dying here guarantees moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Mark Twain wrote of it: 'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.'

Fun Fact

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world โ€” over 3,000 years old. Mark Twain wrote: 'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.'

Cultural Dos

  • โœ“Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • โœ“Walk the Ghats at sunrise โ€” the light is extraordinary
  • โœ“Dress modestly โ€” this is one of Hinduism's holiest cities
  • โœ“Buy genuine Banarasi silk directly from weaver families in Madanpura

Cultural Don'ts

  • โœ•Photograph cremation ceremonies at Manikarnika Ghat without permission โ€” it's sacred, not a spectacle
  • โœ•Accept unsolicited 'free' temple guides โ€” they lead to high-pressure silk shops
  • โœ•Eat meat near the ghats โ€” many areas are strictly vegetarian

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