Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is situated on the banks of river Ganges or Ganga in Uttar Pradesh about 320 km from the capital city of Lucknow. In Hinduism, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities called Sapta Puri of India. The Sapta Puri are holy pilgrimage centres significantly known for the birth of religious and spiritual masters.
Varanasi is believed to be the place from which first-ever Shiva Jyotirling emanated from Earth. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India. Varanasi is also known as the City of Lights and the City of Lord Shiva. Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi in 528 BCE.
The architecture of Banaras reflects diversity in construction, pattern and detailing. Ancient buildings, strong pillars, traditional balconies, red brickwork and temples contribute to the diverse architecture. The riverfront of Ganga comprises of a series of 84 Ghats, each of them being architecturally and culturally unique.
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi, where the Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. The Manikarnika Ghat is the primary site for Hindu cremation.
Silk weaving is the most dominant industry. Banaras is known for its production of very fine silk, Banarasi saris, brocades with gold and silver thread work. It is also famous for muslin fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculptures.
Varanasi has also been a centre of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. The renowned Indian saints and poets who have resided in the city were Kabir, Ravidas, and Tulsidas.
The music tradition of Varanasi can be traced to Puranic days. The Banaras Gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed here. In the 16th century, Dhrupad style of singing became very popular during the rule of Govind Chandra. This led to the development of Dhamar, Hori and Chaturang styles. Other popular styles developed in Banaras are Banarasi Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Bhairavi, Kajri, Tarana, Ghato and much more. Varanasi is also associated with great instrumentalists Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Jotin Bhattacharya.
Author Mark Twain wrote, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."