Travel

Varanasi - spiritual capital of India | JOEJOURNEYS |

Experience watching the spectacle of life and death on the river and meandering through the alleys of the old city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras. Varanasi, once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and Jains and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the 11th century BC. Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings salvation/nirvana and so they make the trip to the city when they realize that they are close to death. For some, the culture shock of the burning corpses in plain view can be a bit overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganga at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries-old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Over 60,000 people come to the ghats every day to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, most notably at sunrise. A sunrise cruise on the Ganges River for a view of the activity along the ghats (stone steps) leading down to the river, where the locals and pilgrims alike cleanse themselves, literally and spiritually. Stroll around the Ghat and head to the banks of the sacred Ganges River to witness the Aarti ceremony. Take in the sounds of chanted prayers and rhythmic drumming as you watch the Hindu priests — holding lanterns to keep the darkness at bay and bid the gods and goddesses a restful slumber. _______________________________________ WEB https://www.joejourneys.com FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/joejourneys INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/joejourneys TWITTER https://twitter.com/joejourneys _______________________________________ MUSIC Artist: Track Source: http://www.epidemicsound.com/ Epidemic Sound: TRAVELLING TO INDIA, ADVENTURES IN INDIA Magnus Ringblom: MAHARADJA PALACE Jhukane Bada: BOLLYWOOD STAR True Messenger: THE HEALER _______________________________________ CAMERAS AND EQUIPMENT • Amazon.co.uk - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/joejourneys • Sony A7 II - http://amzn.to/2r8TJ6A • Sony SEL1635Z E Mount Full Frame Lens - http://amzn.to/2rPAXDa • DJI Ronin-SC Stabiliser 3-Axis Gimbal - https://amzn.to/2LcjVdS • RØDE Wireless Go Compact Wireless Microphone System - https://amzn.to/2LdZjBZ • GoPro Hero 5 - https://amzn.to/2ze3lqb