Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras is one of the most
ancient and religious cities in India and known as the oldest living city in
the world. The city is located on the banks of the holy Ganges River and
the birthplace of Hinduism. Ann and Cathy & I left the hotel by
5:30 a.m. to be on the Ganges for sunrise. Our driver dropped us of so we
were able to walk to the river. What a day to be in Varanasi.....the
entire day is the celebration for Holi, also known as the festival of colors is
a wild & chaotic atmosphere with dousing colored powder and water and
turned out to be one big colorful party....no better time to witness the
colorful culture and sensory overload which is the nature of India. Our
sunrise cruise was a splendid representation of the Indian culture. We
lit candles and offered prayers for family and friends and just took in the
sites from Dasashwamedh Ghat to Manikarika Ghat. Many pilgrims come here
to perform a variety of ritual bathing and religious activities. After
breakfast we decided to take to the streets to see the revelers.....huge
mistake....we were the target of colored water bombs....it was ok for our throw
away clothes but not my camera! All part of the experience. Lesson
learned.....We returned to the hotel until our driver picked us up later in the
day for a visit to Sarnath. Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist City where
Buddha preached his first sermon under the Bodhi tree. Inside the temples
frescos portray the life of Buddha from the 3rd Century. Again
we returned to the Ganges for the Aarti sunset candle ceremonies. Aarti
is devotional ritual using fire and flowers and small offerings are given to
the Goddess of Ganga. As like this morning we took a small row boat just
before dark and had plenty of aarti to make a wish and float down the
Ganges. This ritual happens every day but is intense and magical
experience when you turn and see the tiny aarti floating away in the distance
you’ll understand why, what an intense experience with the drumming, chanting,
singing, fire and strong incense as well as the huge crowds of people who have
travelled from all over India and the world to witness the holy ceremony.
Great day, I absolutely love India!!!! That could explain why I have
visited this magnificent place 3 times.... There will be 4 to 5 blogs for
today’s activities.... Time to start posting! This is part 2...
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