Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए
  [kshama keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [thik hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाएं
  [krupaya menu dikhaye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दे
  [krupaya mujhe bhugtan karne de]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [main... khareedna chahta/chahti hoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhe]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (किसके लिए...)
  [ek ticket (kiske liye...)]

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its origins date back to around 2000 BCE. It is believed that the city was founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, making it a pivotal site for Hinduism.

Varanasi is renowned for its numerous temples. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most famous and sacred temples in the city. Originally constructed in 1780 by Ahilya Bai Holkar, the temple has been a spiritual center for millions of Hindu devotees.

The Ganges River, or Ganga, is considered sacred in Hinduism. Varanasi's ghats, or riverfront steps, are a focal point for pilgrims who come to bathe in the river's holy waters. Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most prominent ghats, is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma performed a ten-horse sacrifice.

Varanasi is also significant in Buddhism. Sarnath, located just 10 kilometers from Varanasi, is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, constructed in 500 CE, marks the spot of this historic event.

During the medieval period, Varanasi was a thriving center of learning and culture, attracting scholars, philosophers, and artists. The city was an important trade hub, connecting North India with regions such as Bengal and Central Asia.

In the 16th century, Varanasi came under Mughal rule. Emperor Akbar was known to have visited the city and patronized its cultural institutions. The Mughal influence is evident in some of the city's architecture, including the Gyanvapi Mosque, built by Aurangzeb in the 17th century.

Varanasi became part of the British Raj in the 18th century. The British influence brought modern education and infrastructure to the city, including the establishment of Banaras Hindu University in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, which remains one of the largest residential universities in Asia.

After India's independence in 1947, Varanasi underwent significant changes. The city has continued to be a hub of cultural, spiritual, and academic activities. Modernization efforts have aimed to preserve its historical heritage while accommodating contemporary needs.

Varanasi is famous for its vibrant festivals. Dev Deepawali, celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, sees the ghats illuminated with millions of diyas (oil lamps). The Ganga Mahotsav, a cultural festival, showcases the city's rich traditions, music, and dance.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located about 26 kilometers from the city center. It offers flights to major Indian cities and some international destinations. Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station, serving as a hub for trains coming from all parts of India. For road travelers, Varanasi is connected via National Highways 2, 7, and 29. Buses, taxis, and private cars are available for road travel.

In Varanasi, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are the most common modes of local transport. For short distances, cycle-rickshaws are a convenient and eco-friendly option. Auto-rickshaws and taxis can be hired for longer distances or for a full day of sightseeing. Public buses are available but might not be very comfortable for tourists. For a unique experience, don't miss a boat ride on the Ganges River, especially during sunrise or sunset.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Varanasi. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, street food, and in areas where card payments are not accepted. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and during festivals. Areas like the old city near the ghats can be particularly crowded and chaotic; stay vigilant. Scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced boat rides or guided tours, are not uncommon. Always negotiate prices beforehand.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Varanasi has several hospitals and clinics for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, you can find pharmacies throughout the city. The local police station can assist with any security concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect to local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste,' with hands folded in a prayer position. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Varanasi like a local, take a morning boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the daily rituals. Visit the local markets, such as the Vishwanath Gali, to buy traditional Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts. Engage with locals to learn about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing spiritual experience.