Thus, traversing the tight lanes and ghats I was immersed in the spirit of Varanasi sensing the various levels of bustle that made each corner alive at every step, listening to the temple bells chime, the symphony of the ears and soul awakening.
First of all, just like the heart of Varanasi is located on the river, the holy Ganges which nourishes both body as well as soul is a source of life. I was, though, a part of a large crowd of pilgrims and locals alike who attended Ganga Aarti ceremony. The ceremony started in the evening coupled with the wind and as we all joined we cast ethereal shadow on the water stream as lamps flickered and prayers filled the air.
Wandering in the maze of tiny passages, wonder came upon me at every corner- the oldest of temples in which legends are ever revolving, the markets at a boil with colors and the ashrams where the depressed people go seeking peace of mind.
Varanasi will fascinate you not only by its cultural attractions including religious temples but also by its unique cuisines. From freshly made street food involves a range of delicacies but no less sumptuous vegetarian thali options that depict the rich culinary heritage and flavors of the city.
Afterall, the City of Light is the most spiritually associated with it if we come to think about it. Either by watching the diverse lifecycle of death and a rebirth at the burning ghats placed on the edge of the holy Ganges river, one can reach spiritual enlightenment and sense a deep inner peace at the Sarnath, the sacred place where Siddhartha Gautama actually preached the first lecture on the middle way.
When I exchange Varanasi for my home back, I hold in my memory not only the memories but the brand new understanding of the spiritual voyage all of us carry inside of us.
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