Though generally known as Banaras or Banares, the city became the focal point for learning and civilization over 3000 years ago. Its culture is to a great extent associated with the river’s religious traditions. It has been the sign of Hindu renaissance and devotion to the gods. People feel that the Ganges River has the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hence, a person who dies on the banks of Ganges River will achieve freedom and salvation.

 

Many festivals are celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. A large number of foreigners visit the place in order to witness the significance of the fairs or melas, including Bharat Milap, Buddh Poornima, Ramlila, Dhrupad Mela and Mahashivratri among others.

 

Bharat Milap is observed from the month of October to November at Nati Imli. The festival is held to mark Lord Rama’s (the main character of the Ramayana) return to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile and his reunion with his brother, Bharat. The festival draws millions of devotees in a whole day fair following Dussehra. The festival shows the profound love of the Lord Rama and Bharat and the victory of good over evil.

 

Buddh Purnima takes place in May celebrating Lord Gautam Buddha’s birth at Sarnath. This festival refers to the birth and death of Buddha on a full moon day. The relics of Buddha are taken out of storage so that they can be viewed by the general public in the procession.

 

Ramlila is a month long feast to honour Goswami Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas. Taking place at Ramnagar, it includes a live show of very old customs or pantomime is presented in the form of Surpnakha Nasika Chedan, Dhanush Bhang and Ram Janmotsav. The performances depict the story of Lord Rama.

 

Dhrupad Mela takes place every March. It is a 5-day musical festival carried out by celebrated artists. Tulsi Ghat is a well-liked place among tourists who come to experience the musical extravagance.

 

The Mahashivratri is devoted to Lord Shiva where a marriage procession of Lord Shiv is carried from Mahamritunjaya temple to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Around 50,000 to 60,000 people get together here to see this much loved festival.

 

Other important fairs and festivals are the Panch Koshi Parikrama and Dev Deepavali (festival of lights). The pure and divine environment of the place attracts many people. The blessed city of Varanasi mesmerises many devotees, expressing their cultural tradition.