Lifestyle of Varanasi
Known as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi is famous
for its religious and spiritual lifestyle. One of the
most important pilgrimage spots for Jains, Buddhists and
especially Hindus, Varanasi is situated on the banks of
Holy Ganges, which plays an important role in day-to-day
lives of the people of Varanasi. Being the oldest living
city, Varanasi has been a mute witness to many great historic
upheavals and events.
Mythology reins the city and there are many religious
places and institutions and places of worship throughout
the city where people visit everyday, especially in
the mornings and the evenings. On closer look, one can
still find the primitive worship cults that are still
in practice in the city. The religiosity of the region
is evident from the fact that Buddha, Jain Tirthankars,
several Shaiva and Vaishnava saints, Kabir and Tulsi
were either born here or were associated with the place
in a significant way and have spent a long time here.
People of Benaras are known for being the exponents
of literature, music, Vedic philosophy, arts, crafts
and architecture. Socio-economic aspects of the city
are highly influenced by the Ganges and on most of the
Hindu festivals people can be seen using the bathing
Ghats (river fronts) even before daybreak as an important
part of their rituals. In Varanasi, the atmosphere is
relaxed in general and we can see people chewing the
famous 'paan' and chatting in a laid-back manner. That
does not keep Varanasi behind, as is evident from the
growing modern industries in the city. Varanasi is also
the most ancient seat of education in India (Sarva Vidya
ki Rajdhani) and Benaras Hindu University is still famous
throughout the world for its scholars. The city is also
a seat for Sanskrit and one can still see the Guru-Shishya
tradition being followed here at certain places.
Several social and religious customs co-exist in the
city and the caste system is still prevalent here. People
wear 'Gamcha' (a cotton towel), as they go bathing in
Ganga and drink Thandai (a coolant with milk as its
base), which have become a part of the cultural identity
of traditional ways of Varanasi. Music, drama and entertainment
have found a place in the lives of the people. Its dance
traditions and vocal and instrumental music is highly
developed and one can catch the glimpses of folk drama
in the 'Ramlila' organized before Dussehra. Traditional
games and sports include 'Akharas', where wrestling
or 'kushti' competitions are organized. Foreign tourists
love to ride horse-driven 'Ekkas' and cycle rickshaws
that are still in use here. Indian medical science of
Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are cherished here since
ages.
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