Varanasi is also known as Kashi which means ‘illumination’. It is considered to be the holiest amongst the Sapta Puri's (Seven holy destinations) of Hinduism. It’s a melting pot of cultures. The architecture reflects diversity in construction, pattern and detailing - Ancient buildings falling to ruins, traditional balconies, red brickwork, connected congested lanes, intrusive modern buildings and soot covered temples welcome you to the Land of Spirituality.
The course of the River Ganges has lent itself to the step-like constructions of the Ghats, where one can see multicultural influences - Hindu symbolisms, a dominating art scene, vibrant people, or aging colour that stand out against the brick red and sandstones of Kashi. Indian women clad in colourful saris, free spirited tourists in billowing attires, saffron coloured sages, painted steps, colourful kites in the dull sky, bright boats on the grey Ganges - an artistic eye cannot complain about how naturally all colours coexist in the streets of Kashi. Created by man and antiquated by nature, the colours here run deep, rich and spin tales that have long been forgotten.
