INDIA
A Beginner’s Guide to Varanasi
Discover the Spiritual Heart of India
Varanasi is a place where the profound cycle of life, death, and rebirth plays out daily. As one of the oldest living cities in the world, with roots tracing back to 250 BC, it holds a special place in history, spirituality, and art. Located just six miles from Sarnath—where Buddha delivered his first sermon—Varanasi is a focal point for Hindu pilgrims and a living testament to ancient religious traditions. For any traveler, this remarkable city leaves a lasting impression.
A City of Many Names
Mark Twain once said, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi goes by many names, including Benaras and its original name, Kashi, meaning “bright” or “shining.” Hindus believe that Lord Shiva, one of the gods of the Hindu Trinity, founded the city, and today you can find many temples dedicated to him throughout Varanasi. With a knowledgeable local guide, you can visit sadhus (religious ascetics) and Shiva disciples, delving into the fascinating stories and mystical lives they lead.
Top Things to Do in Varanasi
Morning Aarti
The spiritual heartbeat of Varanasi can be experienced at the ghats (steps leading to the river) along the banks of the Ganges. As dawn breaks and mist lifts, pilgrims and priests gather for the morning arti (prayer ritual). One of the most captivating ways to witness this is by taking a boat ride on the river as the morning prayers and chants echo from the shore. The Ganges is central to life in Varanasi, with 84 ghats where daily ceremonies take place. While most ghats are reserved for prayers and bathing, two are exclusively dedicated to cremation ceremonies.
Evening Aarti
In the evening, the city comes alive once again with the captivating evening arti. Lasting 45 minutes, this nightly prayer ritual is a mesmerizing sight, as priests, worshippers, and brass oil lamps (diyas) light up the ghats, giving Varanasi its name as the “City of Lights.” The combination of spiritual devotion, glowing lamps, and the serene Ganges is a memory that travelers cherish.
Shop for Benaras Silk
One of Varanasi’s most prized traditions is the art of weaving Benaras silk. This brocade fabric, woven with intricate gold or silver designs, has been passed down through generations and is still taught through specialized groups. For travelers interested in this craftsmanship, a visit to the textile shops in the maze-like lanes behind the ghats is a must.
Explore on Foot
Beyond the sacred ceremonies, Varanasi is a bustling, vibrant city where every corner offers a glimpse into everyday life. As you wander the narrow lanes behind the ghats, you’ll encounter a whirlwind of people, cows, and colorful processions carrying the dead toward the river. Women in fine Benaras silk saris weave through the crowds, while shop owners call for attention from their stalls. Temples and shrines are set up at nearly every corner, each ready for worship.
When is the Best Time to Visit Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the cooler months, from November to March, when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring the ghats and navigating the busy streets.
- November – December: Temperatures are starting to drop and the monsoon season has now ended. Nighttime lows in the 50°s, with daytime highs in the 70°s and 80°s.
- January – February: January is the coolest time of year with crisp mornings, and temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 80°F during the day. For early morning boat rides, be prepared for cool breezes along the river.
- March: Temperature begin to heat up but monsoon season has not begun yet. Highs reach the 90°s by the end of the month.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
   | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| Varanasi | | 73° 49° 0.4″ | 80° 55° 0.5″ | 92° 63° 0.2″ | 102° 73° 0.3″ | 105° 79° 0.6″ | 101° 82° 3.8″ | 93° 80° 8.2″ | 92° 80° 7.6″ | 91° 78° 5.0″ | 90° 70° 1.2″ | 84° 59° 0.2″ | 75° 51° 0.2″ |
When are Major Festivals Celebrated in Varanasi?
Experiencing one of Varanasi’s religious festivals offers a deeper connection to the city’s spiritual essence. Here are a few key festivals to plan your trip around:
February & March
Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Varanasi’s most revered deities. Pilgrims flock to the city’s Shiva temples for prayers and rituals that continue late into the night, celebrating Shiva’s cosmic dance and his role as both destroyer and creator in Hindu belief.
May
Buddha Purnima
Celebrated in Sarnath, just outside Varanasi, Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The festival features processions, rituals, and offerings, drawing pilgrims from around the world to this significant Buddhist site, where Buddha is said to have given his first sermon.
mid-October to mid-November
Dev Deepawali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India, but Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali is especially significant. Held a week after Diwali, this unique festival transforms the ghats with thousands of glowing diyas (oil lamps) set afloat on the Ganges, honoring the gods in a breathtaking display.
Which Adventures Pair Well with a Visit to Varanasi?
Varanasi offers travelers a deeply spiritual experience that goes beyond sightseeing. Whether you are there for the dawn aarti, to explore the bustling lanes behind the ghats, or to witness the celebration of life and death along the Ganges, this ancient city will leave a profound impact on your journey through India. Pair our Varanasi Extension with one of our fantastic journeys through India or Nepal:
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