Varanasi’s silk weaving neighborhood echoes with the sound of looms clacking together; for 82-year-old Murali Mohan Sastry, this is where he hopes to break free from death and rebirth and achieve salvation.
On Monday, following a court order, ASI team began conducting their scientific inspection of Gyanvapi mosque. Their inspection will take place with strict security precautions in place.
News on Varanasi
Varanasi is widely revered by Hindus as a spiritual and religious center. Additionally, it serves as an important centre for Indian classical music and philosophy – giving this ancient city an aura of divinity that draws in visitors for festivals such as Mahashivaratri, Chhath, Hanuman Jayanthi and Dusshera among many more.
Benares Ghats were also decorated for Diwali this year and 10 lakh diyas were lit to mark this festival.
Mark Twain, an esteemed American author wrote of Varanasi: ‘Varanasi is older than history and will outlive it.” Since ancient times, Varanasi has been at the heart of Indian culture and remains an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Considered one of seven holy cities for Hinduism and known as an ancient mystical land – sit by an evening ghat to watch old men taking baths while boys fly kites while sipping on an authentic bhang lassi beverage spiked with marijuana as it has long been tradition here – making Varanasi an essential stopover for cultural enthusiasts!
Varanasi Updates
Once the Allahabad High Court authorized an archaeological survey of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque complex, Archaeological Survey of India resumed work under tight security arrangements on Friday. Their team reached the mosque’s premises near Kashi Vishwanath Temple to ascertain whether its 17th century structure had been constructed on Hindu ground as suggested by Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee members.
The ASI also announced that it will assess whether or not an alleged structure is actually a temple and not a mosque, however representatives from the committee boycotted this survey by not permitting ASI access into their property, thus prompting an official response soon thereafter.
Varanasi Photos
Varanasi will leave an everlasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to visit it. One of the oldest cities on earth, it boasts centuries-old traditions in spiritualism as well as vibrant cultures and bustling markets that make up its character.
Dev Diwali in Varanasi saw devotees lighting thousands of earthen lamps for this festival of lights.
Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh chief of BJP has warned of harsh action taken against anyone depicting him as God on posters and hoardings in Varanasi. This move followed posters which depicted Maurya as Lord Krishna while other politicians including Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav were depicted as Kauravas; sparking off controversy with SP claiming the posters violate religious sentiments.
Varanasi Videos
Varanasi (also known as Benares or Kashi) is one of the holiest cities for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists alike in India. Additionally, this city serves as a vibrant cultural hub with delicious street food options and plenty of shopping experiences.
Varanasi courts will soon announce their ruling regarding the construction of Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, after receiving a petition filed by Hindu groups for investigation of its premises by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Varanasi’s main ghats along the Ganges river at dawn can be seen here, where many pilgrims visit to perform religious rituals or be cremated along their banks.