Varanasi (or Banaras), is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and also the holiest of all cities in the Hindu faith. It is believed to be the favorite city of Lord Shiva (you should be excited about that, Mom). It is also known as Kashi, the City of Light, although when we arrived on the first night of Diwali, this took on a literal context. As Indian festivals tend to be rather intricate, I’ll sum it up rather simply, It’s a celebration of light. Light, and fireworks. Very loud fireworks. Everywhere. Needless to say, after our harrowing travel experience (which no doubt you heard about), these sudden, jarring explosions weren’t quite welcome by all, especially those still feeble and exhausted from illness.
Aside from this first night though, Varanasi has been a relief to all after the chaos of sickness and constant travel. Everyone has so far enjoyed the wonderful food and tranquil atmosphere of this holy city. (when I say tranquil, I don’t mean that the streets aren’t hectic and loud, this is still India after all. But rather that there is a sense of calmness that seems to permeate the very stone of the city itself.) Moving on, the group partook in a few morning Hindi lessons, and then various internships and classes, which Included fire dancing, stone carving, jewelry smithing, Ayurvedic medicine, painting, and Sitar. I can confidently say that every student has absolutely loved these learning experiences.
We’ve also visited several historically and culturally significant locations. Although as a group we often visit temples and ancient structures, I feel that Varanasi has had something special to offer in the form of the Monkey Temple and the Burning Ghats. The Monkey Temple, which as the name implies, is dedicated to the God Hanuman and where monkeys are given free reign, to roam as they please. The Burning Ghat however was a much more solemn experience. It is the area on the bank of the Ganges dedicated to the purification of the dead through cremation, and so is home to constant funeral pyres. Despite the initial reaction of a western mindset to being surround by burning bodies, I at least, found it beautiful to witness the final act of ones earthly life, preparing their Atman (soul) to pass on to the next stage of existence.
Although I can only speak for myself, I feel that I reflect the sentiment of the group when I say that Varanasi is the first place in India where I’ve felt actually at home and part of the community. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the Ganges and the wonderful people I’ve met here, but such is the fate of a traveler.
p.s. I don’t have my camera’s card reader on me, so please accept a picture of a monkey with a very expressive face from Agra instead.
