Why exploring Varanasi through its stories, street art and food is fun

Varanasi is the oldest city in India which is why it is fun exploring Varanasi through its stories, street art and food. The city is alive with ancestral stories keeping new generations curious to know more. The age-old culture can still be seen in city households and temples. Even the streets of Varanasi narrate stories telling you about the traditional values in the form of street art. When so much is talked about the city then how come food is not mentioned as yet? Remember the taste of food remains with you forever and makes you nostalgic.

What captures your attention as soon as you enter Varanasi?

The aura encapsulates you with the charm of Ganga ghats where each ghat has its own story of origin. As you take a boat ride early in the morning to feel the first rays of the sun, the boatman takes you along the Assi (80) ghats of Varanasi narrating how each of them is named and worshipped.

Varanasi is fondly known as Baba ki Nagri because no story is complete without Lord Shiva while exploring Varanasi. Vishwanath temple is the home of Lord Shiva in Varanasi which is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Many stories tell you about the beauty of Varanasi that attracted lords and devis to stay back. However, when Lord Shiva couldn’t stay in Varanasi due to Raja Shiva Das, he took Lord Vishnu’s help. This is how Manikarnika ghat got its purpose to render Moksha to people who die and are burnt here. When Lord Vishnu told Raja Shiva Das that only Lord Shiva could give people Moksha, there was no other way but to invite Lord Shiva to live in Kashi (Varanasi).

Manikarnikas Ghat is a Shakti Peeth where Devi Sati’s ear with kundal (earring) fell.

Exploring Varanasi gets interesting with street art

The smallest of gallis of Varanasi is painted of stories of Lord Shiva, his vehicle – Nandi and river Ganga whose outrageous flow is controlled through Lord Shiva’s jathas (hair). When you walk beyond Manikarnika Ghat towards Raj Ghat, you can see many more wall art depicting colourful stories of the city. More such work can also be seen in Kachahari Chauraha in the Hamrautia locality and Cantonment area. Keep your eyes open in every gali you go through because art is everywhere in the city like walls of the ghats, walls of the temple, banners of the shops etc.

Food is the way to your memory

A city is known and remembered because of its famous delicacies so how can Varanasi not have them. Let’s start with Vishwanath Gali. As you enter it to visit Vishwanath temple, the shops serve you delicious kachoris, pain puris, the Blue Lassi and Makhan Malai available during winter.

• Deena Chat will saviour with all of the mentioned food items.
• Pehelwaan Lassi near the BHU campus
• Rabri Lassi
• Baba Thandai at Gadolia Chowk
• Blue Lassi at the Manikarnika Ghat
• Malai toast at Laxmi Chai Wale near Gadolia road
• The explorers can’t leave the city without Banarsi paan from Keshav Paan Bhandaar near Ravidas Gate, Lanka road

So much to explore and so much more to take away as fond memories of Varanasi in the form of art, food and devotion. Every cobblestone in the narrow gallis of Varanasi holds a tale waiting to be discovered. Engage with any stranger, and they’ll immerse you in their personal stories, transforming your journey into a quest for deeper exploration. This rich tradition of Varanasi continues its legacy, touching the lives of countless people across generations.

If you have also come across any of the above mentioned areas of interest or have discovered one of your own, do share with us and let our readers be aware of rich culture of Varanasi.