The riverbanks often feature holy men, known as sadhus, covered in ash.
You’ll see groups of pilgrims, busy priests in saffron robes, and tourists wandering around the main street, called Chowk. The moment you step onto any Varanasi ghat, you’re greeted by a lively mix of sights and sounds. Others are quieter spots where you can sit and watch the city come to life. Some, like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, are always buzzing with activity. “Ghats” are stairways that lead down to the Ganges River.
If you’re equating Varanasi’s ghats with the western/eastern ghats of India, there’s a mix-up. With its 87 riverfront steps, known as ghats, Varanasi is a living testament to ancient traditions. Legend has it that the city was created by the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, making it around 3000 years old. Some say its first inhabitants settled around 1000 BC. Varanasi, often called Kashi or the ‘City of Lights’ by Hindus, is a city with deep roots.
