"VARANASI" - (Banaras)

Varanasi also commonly known as "Banaras", is a city situated on the banks of river Ganges.

The culture of Varanasi closely associated with the river Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been cultural and religious center in North India for several thousand years.

Varanasi is the holy city of the Hinduism, being one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all denomination. More than 1,000,000 visit the city each year. Mythology reins the city and there are many religious places and institutions and places of warship through out the city where people visit everyday, especially6 at the morning and the evenings. Varanasi is the one of the holiest places for Buddhism too, being one of the four pilgrimage sites said to have been designated by Gautama Buddha himself (the others being Kashinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini).

People of Varanasi are known for being the exponent of literature, music, Vedik philosophy, art, craft, and architecture. Socio-economic aspects of the city are highly influenced by the Ganges and on most of the Hindu festivals people can be seen using the bathing Ghat(river front) even before day break is an important part of their rituals. In varanasi, atmosphere is relaxed in general and we can see people chewing the famous "paan" in chatting i laid back manner. That does not keep Varanasi behind, as it evident from the growing modern industries in the city. Varanasi is also a most ancient seat of education in India and Banaras Hindu University is still famous through out the world for its scholars.

Just like a rich culture and lifestyle Varanasi is famous for its variety of foods and cuisines