Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India where the Ganges comes to life in every ancient street. Popularly known with the name of Kashi or Benaras, This city is not simply a visit, it is an adventure that moves with the beat mother heart and breath of life and death from faith to devotion. Be it the ghats sprinkled with mystery where life continues to still rise along with the sun or the markets colored in life as well; Varanasi will give you a feast for your senses. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in India welcoming millions of pilgrims, adventurers and culture enthusiasts.
So pack your bags and lets jump right into the culture of varanasi!
How to Experience the Local Culture of Varanasi
Varanasi is a treasure house of culture, inviting you to enter a world where daily life is infused with traditions. A particularly famous tradition is the Ganga Aarti, a beautiful ritual observed at twilight on the banks of the river, performed each evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Imagine it: hundreds of devotees and tourists beside the river, a priest conducting an elaborate centre surrounded by fire also chanting hymns with lanterns floating in the evening sky. It is a view to behold and maybe even shed a tear at.
However, do not just experience the rituals — participate in them! Join a sunrise yoga class next to the Ganges or go for an early-morning boat trip, as life on the river stirs from its slumber. You may also see sadhus (holy men) meditating by the riverside, each with their own story to tell.
Do not miss the festival of Dev Deepawali, as the city glitters in full diyas (oil lamps) and firecrackers to celebrate the river goddess if you are around Varanasi in Kartik month (generally October-November). This is a true local experience, and the festivities are even colourful and exciting.
To explore further on Varanasi culture and festivals, visit Thrillophilia for detailed insight about Varanasi tourism and culture.
What to Eat in Varanasi
A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without savouring its tantalizing food. The city is well-known for the street food that comes with delightful and unusual taste. Begin your culinary journey with a serving of chaat at the legendary Blue Lassi Shop and experience explosion of sweet, sour, spicy flavors on your palate. Get your kachaudi (spiced-stuffed fried bread) and aloo sabzi (potatoes cooked in spices) to accompany your morning chai.
If eating heavier, move to Kashi Chat Bhandar and try the iconic banarasi pulau and puri sabzi. Another must-try for sweet-toothed people in the city is its malaiyo — a frothy dessert made from milk, which is specially prepared every winter season and served fresh warm.
If you need a complete guide to local foods at Varanasi, see the following link of TripAdvisor on food recommendation.
Travel through the narrow lanes and you will never miss to find stalls which represent a special taste of Varanasi. Just before you leave, you can have a paan (betel leaf) — after-meal stuff with sweetness, bitterness and aromatic spices.
Where to Shop in Varanasi
Shopping in Varanasi is an experience, known for its fine hand-woven silk saris and a number of brilliant handicrafts. Vishwanath Gali– the centre for shopping — here you will find tents of shops selling silk textiles to brass ware.
Another gem is Thatheri Bazaar, famous and known for metal crafts. Artisans here make brass and copper ware, and it is an excellent place to shop for beautiful lamps (some of which are still manufactured here), trays, and sculptures – perfect souvenirs.
Consider visiting the Godowlia Market, a busy central and growing part of Varanasi that really exposes local life, full of spices, traditional Indian sweets & other varieties. This is a good place to practice your haggling skills as haggling is the name of the shopping game in Varanasi!
To read more about shopping places, check out EaseMyTrip travel guide on shopping in Varanasi
How to get the most of your trip?
- Timing is Everything: Go in the early morning or late evening to escape the sweltering heat and see all that Chiang Mai has to offer at its most peaceful.
- Thus, Dress Properly: The city of temples and rituals Thus, It is best if you dress up decently. A lot of walking around, so you need a comfortable shoe!
- Hydrate yourself: The weather can be hot enough, so take up plenty of water and do enjoy fresh drinks such as sugarcane juice.
- Plan ahead: Try the options which help you avoid the trouble of finding tickets and hotels while you are on tour by booking your tickets / hotels in advance from MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip etc.
- Record Them All: You must pack your camera! With its beautiful sights and lively street scenes, Varanasi is the photographer’s dream destination.
Explore the length and breadth of Varanasi and get lost in the vibes of the city. Every corner has a story to tell, all the moments you spend with locals, is an opportunity to get in touch with the beautiful legacy that this wonderful place carries inside.
Varanasi has something to offer for every type of traveler — be it spirituality, food or shopping — you will not walk out of Varanasi without taking the ride of a lifetime in your memories.
To get some aesthetic experience, you can see travel influencers on YouTube to look for Drew Binsky, and Kara and Nate revealing their Varanasi culture, food, and festivals.
Experience the essence of Varanasi, where life becomes a celebration itself! Safe travels!
For more Travel Guides, Stay Updated with Pathbeat.in
To explore audio tour guides and stories, visit the Pathbeat app
