The Mesmerising Ghats
The majestic Ghats of Varanasi have a unique appeal in them which not only attracts tourists, but also bounds them to come back again. The ghats on the banks on river Ganges, are not only a prime tourists attraction, but of equal holy status to the Hindus. Some of these ghats are very old, as old as pre-historic times, and some of them are very new ghats. The ghats are a way of living for the people residing near ghats. Specially for Hindus, all rituals of daily life are conducted on these ghats. From birth to death, all the necessary religious ceremonies are conducted on these ghats. The specialised 'Pandits' are always there to help in these rituals. One can walk on the ghats to see all of them. .. |
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Boat Cruise Along The Ghats
A morning ride on boat across river Ganga is something which no one would want to miss. Its really fascinating to see how life gets started at 3 a.m. in Varanasi and continues non stop till 8 in evening. Just after sunrise, on the banks of the river Ganges take a boat cruise, where one come across hundreds of Hindu devotees taking a holy bath in the river and offering water to God Surya (Sun). The entire environ is just full of devotion and sanctity. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges. A boat cruise takes 1 hour for a complete trip. Another, most mesmerising scene on the ghats is the evening 'Puja' on the Dashaswamedh Ghat.
The Surroundings
The Ghats are a way of life for the people around the ghats. These ghats are involved with the life of people in many ways, like daily routine, religious activities, daily wage earning and tourism. One can come accross small children playing on ghats, Chillum smoking Sadhus, busy boaters, herds of cows, painters, musicians, students and many others on the ghats. To have a close look at the ghats and its lifestyle, one should take a walk from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. There are some very good Hotels, restaurants, cafes, book shops, music shops on these ghats. Luxury and budget accommodations are also available on the ghats. Small stalls, selling religiously important things, like chains, stones, idols and religious books, are in plenty. Old houses and buildings on the ghats makes the ghats more beautiful. The ghats looks very busy and bustled with crowd, but the life is very slow and very calm on the ghats. |