Ganga Mahal Ghat

Diversity is hallmark of Indian cities. Each city of India has something unique in terms of tradition and culture and so does the oldest city of the country, Varanasi. Varanasi is in fact one of the oldest living cities of the whole world. The old world or vintage charm of the city is still alive for everyone to absorb. Apart from being the oldest city, Varanasi, formerly known as Banaras, is also one of the seven holy cities of India. It is a sacred city for the Hindus who hold a strong belief that a person who dies in the soil of Varanasi attains salvation and goes straight to the heaven. Also, one who is not so fortunate to die in Varanasi, his / her relatives bring the ashes to immerse in the holiest River Ganga. The ghats of Varanasi are also considered sacred because religious rituals & last rites are carried out here. Ghats or river-fronts in Varanasi are essential part of the life of the people of Varanasi because different religious ceremonies are carried out hereupon. The majestic splendor of the ghats is unique. Diversified activities related to the Ganges are the main feature of the ghat. Devout Hindus from across the globe keep coming to Varanasi to perform religious puja. Sages and monks gather daily on the ghats of Varanasi and perform several religious rites and spiritual practices. During dawn hours, viewing the saint community taking holy dip in and worshipping the sacred River Ganga, considered as ‘mother’ & goddess, is certainly a fascinating sight. The globe trotters from around the world visit Varanasi to experience innumerable exotic aspects of Hindu religion and culture. They kind of create a hippie aura throughout the city.