Banaras

Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and an important religious and cultural center for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The city lies in the Ganga Valley and is known for its ghats, temples, and historic lanes.

Hindu tradition regards Varanasi as a place of pilgrimage and moksha. The ghats along the Ganges host daily ritual baths and cremations; Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats are among the most prominent. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a central temple in the city, and Sarnath, where Buddha delivered the first sermon, is a short distance away.

Historically, Banaras is mentioned in ancient Indian texts and has been a center of learning and culture for centuries. In modern times it remains a spiritual hub and a center for education and crafts, particularly Banarasi silk fabrics and brocades.

The city is home to Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1916, one of India's largest residential universities. It also hosts a range of other institutions and a growing tourism sector. Notable attractions include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and the Sarnath archaeological site and museum.

Banaras is served by Varanasi Junction railway station and the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur, with road and river routes connecting to other parts of northern India. The city is widely known through the names Banaras, Kashi, and Varanasi, and continues to be a major pilgrimage and cultural destination.