The Varanasi Charm

[{"selector":"#anim-a5bca0fa-07a3-46a0-bcf1-f0d07854d77d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] THE VARANASI CHARM By Divyakshi Gupta

[{"selector":"#anim-2f307e85-5e7d-4c77-a350-157bf3fee3dc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-15.282159605823567%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi or Banaras has a unique, mystical charm associated with it.

[{"selector":"#anim-2eb27c65-63c1-42f9-b72b-c9e31db483d6","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(3)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The city is known for its temples, especially Kashi Vishwanath and the revered river Ganga which flows through.

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[{"selector":"#anim-b241f0fc-4f5f-43c2-99f5-5dc558eacd38","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-97.86223%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Aarti goes on for an hour as seven priests line up in finery to worship Mother Ganga through conches, bells, flowers, lamps and peacock feathers.

[{"selector":"#anim-2f330a79-198e-4e2e-acf3-f10028129e58","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-98.12646%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Take an early morning walk in the narrow streets of Old Varanasi and each will lead you to the Ghats of Ganga in some way.

[{"selector":"#anim-dd4387f4-d2b0-46f3-85d1-09dc2c60c664","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(3)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Some streets will lead you to ancient houses like this one, with rustic, charming old doors that give the place a character of its own.

[{"selector":"#anim-2d072fbd-e398-4987-90f4-bd2c58ccea87","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-99.03847%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Do not miss a serene, calming boat ride on the Ganga early in the morning from Assi Ghat which gives you a view of all the ghats of Varanasi.

[{"selector":"#anim-99379614-13e0-4669-b257-e5dbeaed840a","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A trip to Varanasi cannot be complete without seeing how the famous Banarasi fabric is weaved. Visit a local weaver and see them weave magic!

[{"selector":"#anim-877de1c4-3702-43ba-bd60-4dd8f4b94ef2","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(3)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Varanasi is an emotion: from the streets, to its temples, to ancient homes, to the omnipresent paan. Follow my work to see more cultural stories from India!