Varanasi sits along the sacred Ganges River in northern India as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a place where daily life and rituals flow together on the long stone steps called ghats that reach down to the water. Visitors often rise early for a sunrise boat ride, watching as light spreads across the river and pilgrims make gentle offerings to the water. Assi Ghat, at the southern edge, is a popular starting point for these quiet mornings before the city wakes. In the evening, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat brings a rhythmic ritual of fire, sound, and chant that draw both locals and tourists alike.

Stepping into the narrow lanes away from the river reveals a world of bustling markets and craftsmanship. Varanasi’s silk weaving industry is renowned across India, especially for the luxurious Banarasi sarees woven with patterns that can take weeks to complete. Markets like Thatheri Bazaar and Vishwanath Gali offer opportunities to watch artisans at work and find authentic handloom textiles along with brassware and traditional jewelry.

Festivals in Varanasi transform the city into a living tapestry of light, sound, and celebration. Dev Deepawali, held fifteen days after Diwali, is especially striking: thousands of earthen lamps are placed along the ghats, casting reflections that ripple across the river and draw visitors from across India and abroad. Cultural events like the Ganga Mahotsav accompany these lights with music, dance, and boat races that celebrate the river’s role in the life of the city.