Varanasi

Varanasi – the world’s oldest (3500 years) cities on the banks of the River Ganges, is where we have traveled today. It is known as the home of culture and religion in the whole of India. It is also know as Kashi and Benares and is where the Rivers Varuna and Asi meet hence the name Varanasi. Devout Hindus make a pilgrimage to this city from all over the world. Tonight we saw a huge celebrtaion of death in the streets as it is thought to be ideal if one days or is buried in Veransi. Funeral pyres can be found along the banks of this great river. Along this river blocks of stairs have been built called ghats. This is where the pilgrims can bathe in the holy waters before they pray. Seeing as once can generally see dead animals, bodies, including babies (it is thought to be the perfect way so the baby can be reincarnated) in the water, we decided to give the bathing a miss! We did however go out o a row boat and watch Aarti, a Hindu celebration to the God of the river. It was quite the event as we say various ways of water and fire being used to honor the gods. We floated a basket of flowers and a lighted candle down the river to honor the god, too.

The journey to the Ghats was by pedal rickshaw and it was very hairy. We actually were involved in a number of fender benders as a cow blocked the road and the rickshaw I was in had to stop suddenly. This cumulative effect saw Mary being propelled in an unlady-like fashion onto the road. She is a great sport and it is something to tell the students☺

Varanasi is also famous for the Banaris Hindu University, and we were honored to have Professor MD.Toha discuss the Madarassa education system which is known as being the traditional seat of Islamic learning today.

We also lots of monkeys around the town. I hope you enjoy all the photos.

To end a perfect day, we were able to watch part of an Hindu wedding at our hotel and we were eve invited up to dance in the “moshpit” type dance with the groom as he awaited his wife’s arrival. I was the photographer☺ Finally our tour guide had his birthday today so we gave him a rendering of he Happy birthday song and enjoyed cake before we crashed out. Another fantastic day. Tomorrow we get to visit a primary school so I am very excited.