VARANASI

Varanasi was a place that I was longing to visit for a long time, not only because of its spiritual importance, but also because of its artistic and cultural vibrance and also the vibe of the place which was viral in social media platforms. So when I got a chance, I decided not to miss it. Varanasi Jn. was the station from where I've to get my connection train to Katni(my transferred location) from Farakka. I've to stay at Varanasi for one day because of the train timings. So I planned to visit the famous ghats of Varanasi (Banaras) with the one day that I have. I also got some help from one of Hari's instagram friend- Anupriya, who was residing at Varanasi, in the form of instagram messages.

My journey started from Farakka on night of July 19, with my four bags. I reached Varanasi on July 20, by 11am. I booked an room nearby Assi Ghat, which was less than half an hour journey from railway station. After becoming taking a bath and having some rest, I went to Assi Ghat to have my

lunch and also to get a small understanding of the place. I had Hyderabadi Veg Biriyani for lunch, which was spicy and was delicious. After my lunch, I went for a small walk through the streets of Assi, but most of the shops were closed. Most of the walls of the shops and houses were painted with the images of God, epic stories etc. Later, I reached the real Assi Ghat for having a small view of the entire place. There were many small and big boats, and their owners were coming to me and were telling their packages for ride.

I had two main aims for my visit in Varanasi. One was to go for a boat ride through river Ganges and have a nice photo of it. Another was to see Ganga Aarathi, which used to happen everyday evening at Dhashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. Eventhough it was afternoon time, the climate was good and was cloudy. I wished to go for a ride in one of those boats there, but the package they told was very high. So I walk further thinking that I would have to cancel my boat ride

wish. Later on my way, I found a man who was ready to take me on his boat for the ride at rs.100, after a continuous bargaining. The view from the boat of the entire Ghats was a marvel to see. He also took a good picture of me sitting on the boat, with Ghats as background. Boat ride was only for 10 minutes. But I was happy that I got a good picture to remember. After my boat ride, I went back to my room to have some sleep.

I left the room again, by 4pm. This time, my main aim was to see the Ganga Aarathi. Anupriya had given me information that it would start around 6:30pm. She also told me, before the time of aarathi in the evening, I can visit the famous Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple there, which was nearby Dhashashwamedh Ghat, and after that I can see Ganga Aarathi. So I headed for Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple from Assi Ghat. In between, I've to pass many other Ghats many of whose name I doesn't remember now! Each of those Ghats have their own story. One of the famous Ghat in between was the Manikarnika Ghat, where cremation of dead bodies used to happen 24 hours everyday. On my way, I can see Yogi's, Mucicians who were singing and are in their own world, college students, some of them with their bands practicing music, lovers, merchants, children, boat operators and much more. It was a place that suits for all of them and had its own vibe.

In between my walking through the ghats, I met with a guy, who introduced him to me and started explaining about all ghats and was accompanying me in my walk, even without asking to me. I told him I would not be giving him a single rupee for his information's. He was ok for that. Later he told, on the way to the temple, his uncle had a silk garment shop. He invited me to visit that. I visited that shop because of his compelling, eventhough I told him I would not be purchasing anything. As we left the shop, he again started accompanying me. But this time he requested to pay him whatever amount I can, and he will assist me to the temple. I refused. This time he understood and left me. He was a good guy and was also looking gentle. But I was not in a need to have a guide there.

As I walked to the temple, I can see the streets were very crowded There the restrictions for Covid was not that strong. I decided not to enter the temple as I had to give all my belongings like phone, purse etc to some local shops there which had locker facilities to lock them. Also the crowd was high. So I decided to go back to Dhashashwamedh Ghat to see the Ganga Aarathi.

As I reached Dhashashwamedh Ghat, the place was crowded with people from different parts of our

country. I found a place for myself to sit there, which was just left side of the master who does the Aarathi. I had some black tea from there. As sunlight started dimming, the master who does the Aarathi came to the place. He was in a Orange coloured kurtha like dress which was made up of silk. Aarathi started around 7pm and ended by 7:30pm. Because of the Covid restrictions, Pooja was done by only one master instead of five. Many people were there to vitness the pooja, some where in boats and some on Ghats. After witnessing the ceremony, I left back to my room. I rested in between at Assi Ghat, on the banks of river Ganga, for sometime. 

I was happy that I was able to experience both of my wishes, all in one day. It was possible only because of the climate, which made me less tired even in the afternoon time. Varanasi was a place of freedom. It was a place of art and culture and much more. It is a place that have produced many well

known artists for our country. It was a different kind of place which can give a different kind of experience. Next day morning, I headed back to Varanasi Jn. railway station, from where I've to get my train to Katni.