Varanasi, << vuh RAH nuh see >> (pop. 1,198,491; met. area pop. 1,435,113), is an ancient holy city of the Hindus in northern India. It is sometimes called the cultural capital of India. The city, also known as Banaras, Benares, or Kashi, lies along a sandy ridge on the west bank of the Ganges River.
Varanasi is one of the largest cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Products of the city include shawls, saris, gold-embroidered cloth, hand-hammered brassware, heavy gold and silver jewelry, and fine silk fabrics.
The Ganges River, considered sacred by the Hindus, is one of Varanasi’s greatest attractions. Each year, millions of Hindus make pilgrimages from all parts of India to bathe in the Ganges. They can enter the river from over 80 ghats (stairways along the river) before saying their daily prayers. The city also has thousands of temples, shrines, monasteries, and palaces. Varanasi, known as a seat of learning, is the site of Banaras Hindu University and many other universities and colleges.
