Bananas also known as Varanasi or Kashi in the modern era, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the spiritual capital of India and the ho-liest of the seven cities in Hinduism and Jainism.
Here are 7 things you need to know about Varanasi!
Ganga Aarti : Agni Puja
Ganga aarti is performed daily at the Dashashwamedh Ghat by a group of priests. This Agni pooja is performed as a dedication to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Surya, Agni and the whole universe. Special aortas are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals. It is located close to the Vishwanath temple. Legend has the Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva.
Aghori Sadhus
The most respected clan of Sadhus, the Aghori Sadhus have some un-common rituals which they perform as a part and parcel to their daily routine. The Aghori Sadhus sometimes practise legitimate ‘Cannibal-ism’. They tend to consume corpses from cremating grounds. Despite this, they also follow profanity as a route to Nirvana. The appetite of these Sadhus also include rotten food, animal flesh etc.
Pilgrimage and death
Hindus believe that death in this holy city would bring Salvation, making it a major place for pilgrimage. Hindus cremate the dead at the Manikarnika Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat.
Getting rid of sins
Millions of people plunge into the river to wash off their sins. Assi ghat is described in the Kashi Khand as Assi “Saimbeda Tirtha” which means that anyone who gets a dip here once in his life will get punya of all the TirthaS. Generally Hindu pilgrims are used to of taking the holy dip here in the Chaitya (month of March/April) and Magh (month of Jan/Feb) as well as some other significant events like solar/lunar eclipse etc.
Buddhism
Buddha is believed to have founded here and he gave the first sermon “The setting in motion of the wheel of Dharma”.
Banarasi sarees and fabric
All of the world, Kashi is renowned for its Banarasi silk fabric and sa-rees. These sarees are one of the best sarees you’ll find in India. They are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk and opulent embroidery. The sarees are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate design.
Kashi Vishwanath
Kashi Vishwanath Temple the most famous temple in Varanasi, also known as the Golden temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.It has one of the twelve Jyotirlings. It was constructed in the year 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of the Indore. This makes Varanasi a tourists place because of great religious importance to the Hindus who come here to worship lord shiva.People believe that the one who decided to end their life at the temple, Lord Shiva himself drive a mantra of freedom in his ear.


