Jun

Varanasi Door to Eternity - India

Ganges-river-varanasi_0

Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is one of the destinations most sacred of India and worshiped by the Indians.

Its name means "gate of heaven", the local process that gives eternal life, the last and most desired stage of existence to the Hindu region.

The rituals of cremation of bodies take place at early morning and late afternoon and meet thousands of people each to participate in funeral ceremonies, others to purify the soul and body in the holy waters. The show becomes even more impressive and intimate it is appreciated from small barges along the river.

The exact date of foundation of Varanasi is unknown, since the only sources of information flow from the Hindu traditions. According to the Brahmans, Varanasi was founded by Shiva, there are over 5000 years ago, making it one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. However, scholars consider the hypothesis that the city appeared about 3000 years.

The ghats are the stairs that give direct access to the river Ganges. Early in the morning, Hindus come here to wash or bathe. We can also see people washing clothes, or in advance the hours, the boatmen offering rides to tourists. It is also a meeting point between merchants and passers-shadus (ascetics), and various artists, especially painters who come here attracted by the impressive range of colors that the landscape offers.

A place to visit is the market of Varanasi, the confusion typical of the activity centers of Indian cities, with all its charm but also with all its chaos (watch over the pockets). Lassis, samosas, delicious fruit juices, many of whom have never seen, stalls of vegetables, flowers and crafts vendors, forming a frame color that will never forget.

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