"Subah-e-Banaras – A Mesmerizing Experience"

- July 22, 2021

Subah-e-Banaras – A Mesmerizing Experience

I got an opportunity to visit Banaras in last year. On our itinerary was Subah-e-Banaras which literally means a morning in Banaras.

I think that I am not a morning person. I am asked to wake up and assemble in the lobby at 4.00 am. I do not wish to leave my comfortable hotel room at that early! But 4.00 am starts are necessary to enjoy sunrise at Banaras. I was excited to have experienced Subah-e-Banaras!

The event starts with Ganga Aarti at the Assi Ghat. The winter timings are 5.40 am to 7.00 am and the summer timings are 5.00 am to 7.00 am. The early visitors can make use of the chairs which are kept near the stage. Otherwise, people sit at the stairs. The organizers are happy to assist with photography. They said that you don’t go and stand right in front of the stage where aarti is performed. We stayed only for the main aarti.

The Ganga Aarti at the Assi Ghat in Varanasi

After the main aarti was over, we started our morning boatride. Our guide of Banaras arranged for two big boats for our group. Ganga aarti at Assi ghat itself was a wonderful experience. I was feeling calm and peaceful during boatride. In winter the river is home to Black Headed Gulls. There are boats selling bird feed to the tourists. Whenever tourists throw the feed in water, the birds gather around it from all directions!

The Boat Ride at the Sunrise at the River Ganga

Then we visited Dashashwamedh Ghat the Most Vibrant Ghat of Banaras. It is common knowledge that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yajna here, and thus the name. Dashashwamedh Ghat tops the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi at night. On evening Ganga Arti is performed in Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Dashashwamedh Ghat at Morning

Early morning boat ride on the River Ganga is a popular tourist activity. We are happy to see the Beautiful Ghats of Banaras.

The Beautiful Ghats of Banaras

Banaras is considered to be one of the ancient living cities. Our boat came in Manikarnika Ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds among the sacred ghats, alongside the river Ganga, in the city of Banaras. In Hinduism, death is considered as a gateway to another life marked by the results of one's karma. It is believed that a dead human's soul attains moksha, and hence breaks the cycle of rebirth when cremated here.

Manikarnika Ghat

Our boat returned at the Assi Ghat and we walked to the Tulsidas Akhara. Akharas are the local wrestling arenas with a long tradition behind them. I was happy to meet the students. We witnessed a few wrestling matches.

We took breakfast of Sabzi, Puri, Jalebi and Tea at the Sri Ram Bhandar. It was a delicious Food. I enjoyed a lot.

Though I am not a morning person, I grabbed opportunity of seeing famous sunrise of Banaras. Four is night for me! I thoroughly enjoyed the Subah-e-Baranas. I would like to recommend that whenever you come to Banaras can go in Subah –e-Banaras trip.

Dr. Mayank Chandrakar is a writer also. My first book "Ayurveda Self Healing: How to Achieve Health and Happiness" is available on Kobo and Instamojo. You can buy and read.