The Soul of India feat. DURGA PUJA | Varanasi, India

Along the banks of the Holy River Ganga breathes the mystical city of Varanasi, one of the holiest sites of Hinduism, where the Buddha preached his first sermon, and pilgrims from across India and the world seek enlightenment, redemption, and absolution.

https://vimeo.com/209331424

Dense with ancient domes, muths, ashrams, and priests, Varanasi’s narrow lanes are packed with pilgrims and sacred cows, with intimate rituals of life and death visible around every corner. And from holy shrines and colourful temples to Ganga and ghats it’s the India of your imagination!

Along the banks of the Ganga, the most holy of rivers considered a deity in the Hindu religion, are high pavilions, palaces, temples, and terraces packed into the riverbank, also known as ghats, where you’ll find early morning bathers, priests, yoga practitioners, and onlookers of curious students and travellers alike.

The Manikarnika Ghat is the eternal crematorium, because it is believed that a person cremated here will attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death. So, as you can imagine it is a place that draws pilgrims in droves, from those seeking redemption to those waiting for death, making the sights and sounds of this holy place a source of inspiration.

The Aarti Ceremony, performed every sunset along the riverbank, is a devotional ritual which uses fire as an offering, usually in the form of a lit lamp and a small diya with a candle and flowers, floated down the Ganga. Put simply Varanasi is a shock to the senses and not to be missed! Because from the morning mists of the ganga to the otherworldly chants of the Aarti Ceremony, Varanasi is sure to leave you inspired, shocked, breathless, and dazzled!

DURGA PUJA is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Varanasi. Here, the festival brings together a diverse range of cultural and religious activities. During the day, devotees visit the pandals to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Durga. The chanting of mantras, recitations from sacred texts, and devotional songs can be heard during these visits. Many people fast during this time as a form of self-discipline and devotion to the goddess.

One of the highlights of Durga Puja in Varanasi is the grand immersion ceremony, known as "Visarjan". Thousands of people gather to witness the procession as the idol of Goddess Durga is carried through the streets, accompanied by enthusiastic dancing, drumming, and singing. Finally, the idol is immersed in Ganges River, symbolizing the departure of the goddess and the end of the festival. The streets of Varanasi are filled with food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies, adding to the festive experience.

Let’s go!!

Day 1 // Friday // Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Meeting in Sharjah Airport for afternoon flight to Varanasi. After arrival and immigration clearance, transfer to hotel for quick rest before we head out into the streets for first sights and sounds of this otherworldly city.

Day 2 // Saturday // Ghats & Ganga

Today we rise early to the sounds of chants, and we’ll hop aboard our boat for sunrise on the Ganges! Where we’ll get a first look at the Ghats from the river before breakfast, taking walk through the old centre, crammed with colourful alleys, workshops, markets, temples, and a few cows too.

Afterwards we’ll head to the Muslim Quarter for a look at some lesser-known shrines. Then it’s back on the boat for the Aarti Ganga ceremony from the river at sunset, before we tuk-tuk back to the hotel.

Day 3 // Sunday // Village & City

After breakfast, we head back into the city streets in search of new secrets before crossing the river for short trek to a nearby laid back and serene village, which is an absolute contrast from the bustling city of Varanasi. We’ll cross back over the Ganga in the afternoon and visit local handicraft workshops and silk weaving factories before dinner and a transfer to airport for our flight back to home.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, available for beginners.
Activities: Walking, boating, sightseeing, celebrating ancient Hindu festival.
Duration: 3 days
Accommodation & Meals: Hotel, double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 2250 excl. flights / 3550 incl. flights until AUG 30th

Visas: Most nationalities eligible for E-visa.

Galleries
https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26563287/
https://vimeo.com/209331424

See yah in the Ganga x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
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