Ah, Varanasi! City where the river Ganga flows with stories of ancient craft, spirituality and culture. Varanasi — commonly known as Kashi a holy city which is not only destination but realms with soul. Varanasi, with its serpentine alleys, crowded ghats and spell binding temples, is not a place but an experience that caters to travelers who have their hands open for spirituality, history and stories.
Be it the peaceful Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat or the placid silence of Sarnath, there is something for everyone in this city rendering it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations of India.
However, as you dream of your trip to this magical city, there is something crucial to think about: dress codes. The monuments and temples of Varanasi depict the culture, heritage and spirituality of India. Now, let us get into the dress codes that will assist you in blending in and being respectful to these iconic sites!
Varanasi Monuments Dress Codes: What To Wear
- Temples & Holy Places
When entering into temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, your dress sense should reflect respect and humility. Here is a list of things to follow:
For Women — long skirts, a loose-fitting top, salwar kameez Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, and shorts are not the best option either. Its good to have a light dupatta handy, as it can help you with covering your shoulders when required.
Men: Chill out cotton pants and a simple shirt or t-shirt is the best combo for men. No shorts or sleeveless shirt. Wearing a kurta is both stylish and humble. Footwear:- In most temples, you have to remove your footwear. Wear sandals and change flip-flops that are easy to remove. - Sarnath & Buddhist Sites
Sarnath which is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon – a quiet space to withdraw and retreat into the teachings. Although there are no specific dress code, it is advisable to wear modest attire.
— In General: You can wear something more comfortable (loose) when walking around the ruins and museums Non-revealing clothing (Again; no revealing outfit) Consider pulling out a light shawl, especially if you plan to stay for some time sitting down and meditating! - Ganga Ghats
Varanasi comes alive at the ghats. There is no proper dress code here but its advised to keep the dressing modesty high, especially for rituals and ceremonies.
For Women — Long, flowy dresses or skirts help you blend in with the essence of the ghats while letting you merge right into throngs of people.
Men: The best option here is to wear loose cotton pants and comfortable shirts which will help you in mixing with the locals while feeling all the vibes. - Shopping and Local Market places
If you are going to visit the busy markets of Varanasi such as Vishwanath Gali or Chowk, then wear something that will be both comfortable and practical.
Tip 1 – Dress Smart. Wear breathable fabrics, as you can be roaming for hours. Sensibly, a nice pair of sneakers will keep your feet happy as you work through the multi-coloured stalls. - Evening Aarti
When the sun comes down and the sky is shining in shades of orange then Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat cannot be missed.
Dress Code: There is no formal dress code, but something semi-formal and comfortable will do well. Women can wear saree or a nice kurta and men can go for smart casual.
How You can get the most of your trip
After which, you can choose to use the following: Plan Your Visit: Use MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip or EaseMyTrip for booking your tickets and accommodation in advance. It enables you to get the best prices and the most suitable places for your residence.
So here is how you can travel in Varanasi safely: —• Stay hydrated : Varanasi is sunny hot city, keep a water bottle with you. Make sure you stay hydrated as you are roaming about.
– Be Mindful of Local Traditions: While Varanasi is one of the most culturally important cities in India, remember it can also be a traditional place. Especially at religious places, be polite and respectful.
– Interact with Locals: Also, don’t be shy to initiate a talk with local vendors or other pilgrims. They also tend to have some great stories about the history and culture of the city.
→ Document Your Adventure: Take photos to document the essence of Varanasi but always ask if it is okay to take a photo of people especially during any ritual or ceremony.
With your upcoming journey to Varanasi approaching soon, just remember that what you wear can be a factor of not only your experience but also your bond with this captivating city. So, pack your bags, choose your attires wisely, and get ready to be mesmerized by the timeless charm of Varanasi!
For instance, sites like: TripAdvisor and Thrillophilia, will often have thorough guides on local customs to help you get a feel for these dress codes at specific sites. So, come dive into the beautiful stories that Varanasi has to offer.
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