Discover the Secrets of Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Benares, is a city on the Ganges river in India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. It is located in the middle-Ganges valley in the southeastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, with a history dating back 2,500 years. The city has been an important center of Hindu devotion, pilgrimage, mysticism, and poetry contributing to its cultural importance. Varanasi is known for its many ghats, steps leading down the steep river bank to the water, where pilgrims perform rituals. The city has a syncretic tradition of Muslim artisanship that underpins its religious tourism. Silk weaving, carpets, crafts, and tourism employ a significant number of the local population, as do the Banaras Locomotive Works and Bharat Heavy Electricals. The city has long been an educational and musical center. Several major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi, including Kabir and Ravidas. In the 20th century, the Hindi-Urdu writer Premchand and the shehnai player Bismillah Khan were associated with the city. India's oldest Sanskrit college, the Benares Sanskrit College, was founded during East India Company rule in 1791. Later education in Benares was greatly influenced by the rise of Indian nationalism in the late 19th century. In 1916, Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malviya founded the Banaras Hindu University, India's first modern residential university. The city's traditional etymology links "Varanasi" to the names of two Ganges tributaries forming the city's borders: Varuna and Assi. In the Mahabharata, the city is referred to as Kashi, making Varanasi known as "City of Light," the "luminous city as an eminent seat of learning." According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Shiva, one of three principal deities along with Brahma and Vishnu. During the Middle Ages, Varanasi remained a center of activity for intellectuals and theologians, contributing to its reputation as a cultural center of religion and education. In the 18th century, much of modern Varanasi was built, especially during the Maratha and Bhumihar Brahmin rulers' reign. The Kings governing Varanasi continued to wield power and importance through much of the British Raj period, including the Maharaja of Benares, or simply called by the people of Benaras as Kashi Naresh. In 1911, Benares became a princely state, with Ramnagar as its capital, but with no jurisdiction over the city proper. The religious head, Kashi Naresh, has had his headquarters at the Ramnagar Fort since the 18th century. Annie Besant founded the Central Hindu College, which later became a foundation for the creation of Banaras Hindu University in 1916.Varanasi: Geography, Climate, Demographics, Religion, Administration, Politics, Healthcare, Public Maintenance, and Economy

Geography:

Varanasi is located in the centre of the Ganges valley of North India, in the Eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
It is situated between the Ganges confluences with two rivers: the Varuna and the Assi stream.
The Varanasi Urban Agglomeration covers an area of 112 km2 (43 sq mi). Climate:
Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa) with large variations between summer and winter temperatures.
The dry summer starts in April and lasts until June, followed by the monsoon season from July to October. Demographics:
According to provisional data from the 2011 census, the Varanasi urban agglomeration had a population of 1,435,113.
Nearly 70% of the population follows Hinduism, with Islam being the largest minority.
At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 83.87% of the population of Varansi Municipal Corporation and Cantonment Board spoke Hindi. Administration:
Varanasi division consists of four districts, and is headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi.
Varanasi district administration is headed by the District Magistrate of Varanasi.
Varanasi is represented in the Lok Sabha by the current Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Healthcare:
Hospitals in the city include the Sir Sunderlal Hospital, a teaching hospital in the Banaras Hindu University.
The urban parts of the Varanasi district had an infant mortality rate of 70 per 1,000 live births in 2010–2011. Economy:
Approximately 40% of Varanasi's population is employed, with 51% working in spinning and weaving.
Silk weaving is the dominant industry in Varanasi, with Banarasi saris being produced for weddings and special occasions.
The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer-generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk imports.Varanasi, received several awards including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. The city is also known for its folk music, especially the Benares Gharana style of Indian classical music. Varanasi hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, the Benares Music Conference, and the Mahindra Kabir Festival.

Religion

Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in India and is a major center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The city is home to many prominent temples and mosques, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Durga Temple, and the Gyanvapi Mosque. The city is also known for its ghats, the steps leading down to the river Ganges, where pilgrims come to bathe and perform religious rituals. The ghats are also used for Hindu cremation ceremonies. The city is also the birthplace of several prominent saints and religious figures, including Kabir, Ravidas, and Tulsidas.Varanasi: Festivals, Education, Media, Sport, and Transport

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges River.
Varanasi is famous for its cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and educational institutions.
The city is known for its music, with famous musicians such as Bismillah Khan and Ravi Shankar hailing from the area, and it has been designated as a UNESCO "City of Music."
The city celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including Maha Shivaratri, Dhrupad Mela, Hanuman Jayanti, Ramlila, Chhath Puja, Nag Nathaiya, Bharat Milap, and Ganga Mahotsav.
Varanasi has a strong tradition of education, with a literacy rate of 80%, and is home to many colleges and universities, including Banaras Hindu University, the Indian Institute of Technology, and Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
The city also has many notable schools, including St. Joseph's Convent School and Central Hindu School.
Varanasi is a hub for the Indian film industry, with many Bollywood and regional films shot in the city, and it has a number of newspapers and media outlets.
Popular sports in Varanasi include basketball, cricket, field hockey, and gymnastics, and the city has many sports facilities, including the Dr. Sampurnanda Stadium and the Dr. Bheemrao Ambedker National Hockey Stadium.
Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road, with Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi Junction, and several important express trains operating in the area. The city also has a new inland port, the Multi-Modal Terminal, on the Ganges River.