Varanasi - Ghats

The Ganges River is one of the primary attractions of Varanasi. Devout Hindus make pilgrimages to bathe in the Ganges, in the water they believe to be sacred. Along the river, stairways have been set-up, known as ghats, where the faithful can bathe before saying their daily prayers.

There are over 100 ghats in Varanasi but the main ghats of Varanasi are the Dasashvamedh Ghat or the 'ghat of ten sacrificed horses'. Sacrifices were made by Lord Brahma to bring about the return of Shiva after the period of banishment.

The Asi Ghat, at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Asi, is considered particularly holy. Walking the length of the ghats provides the opportunity to people watch and explore the variety of activities that take place on a daily basis.