Bustling streets of Varanasi

From the archive record

Lots of activities happening in the streets of Varanasi. Streets are flanked by road-side shops, transportation and commuters. Varanasi is a sacred city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, noted for its historical and religious significance. Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi, is an Indian city on the banks of the Ganges (Ganga) in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentio