2. Varanasi – A Day by the Ganges (16th March 2013).

#varanasi #banaras #ganga #gangaghat #gangaaarti #gangaaartibanaras 16th March 2013, Saturday | Day (2) — Varanasi. After a comfortable night’s stay, I woke up at Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace, Varanasi. My room was pretty good, and the hotel itself was spread across a large, beautifully maintained property. I love exploring places on foot, and the morning was perfect for wandering around the hotel premises and its interesting neighbourhood. A short walk took me to the nearby Shri Ram Bhandar, where I relished a delicious breakfast of piping-hot puri sabji. Sometimes, it’s these simple local food experiences that make travelling even more memorable. After a leisurely morning, I spent the afternoon resting at the hotel. By evening, it was time to head out and experience the real Varanasi. Took an auto to Assi Ghat and began walking along the ghats towards Dashashwamedh Ghat. What an experience! Every stretch offered something interesting — pilgrims, sadhus, curious tourists, people performing their daily rituals, boats floating on the river and the timeless rhythm of life along the Ganges. Varanasi seemed to have a story unfolding at every step. Then came another wonderful experience — a solo boat ride on the placid waters of Ganga ji. Gliding gently from ghat to ghat, I got to admire the ancient city from an entirely different perspective. The ghats, temples, steps and countless activities along the riverfront looked magical from the water. It was one of those moments when you simply sit back, soak in the surroundings and let the place speak to you. But the highlight of the evening was yet to come! As darkness descended, I reached Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the famous Ganga Aarti. What followed was a spectacular spiritual extravaganza — priests performing synchronised rituals with enormous flaming lamps, the air resonating with bells, chants and melodious devotional singing. Thousands of people gathered to witness the spectacle, while many others watched from boats anchored right in front of the Aarti Mandap. The shimmering lights, rhythmic movements, devotional music and collective energy of the gathering created an atmosphere that was simply mesmerising. It was difficult not to get carried away by the magic of the moment. Walking back towards the auto stand late in the evening was an experience in itself. The bustling bazaar was still very much alive — crowded lanes, colourful shops, countless eateries, delicious aromas, animated conversations and people enjoying themselves. Noise, chaos, excitement and life everywhere! Varanasi has its own unique rhythm. It can be chaotic, crowded and overwhelming, yet incredibly fascinating. Every corner has something to offer, and every experience leaves you wanting a little more. An evening by the Ganges, a mesmerising Aarti and a walk through the lively streets — another beautiful day in the timeless city of Varanasi! For more videos and travel stories, google "Sunil Azaad".