The history of Janmashtami dates back to the 10th century CE as a festival celebrating Krishna’s visit to Mathura and Vrindavan after His foster mother’s death. By the 11th century CE, Janmashtami had become an occasion when all children would go door-to-door singing songs about Krishna’s pastimes with his friends and milkmaids.
From being a vital centre for trade to serving as a religious centre and even as a political power centre – Varanasi has seen it all. Visiting Varanasi is a spiritual experience that is beyond any expression. There is tranquillity among the busy streets and peace even when you’re amidst thousands of devotees. You must pay a visit to Varanasi and witness this yourself, and what better time than Janmashtami? Explore the essence of this age-old heritage and culture with OYO’s best family resorts.
Best Places to Visit in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi is home to the world’s oldest temple – the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The city is also home to several other religious places, such as Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Shankaracharya Temple. Booking a family suite in OYO, like the Sada Shiv Guest House, will allow you to see the stunning view from your rooms.
- Varanasi ghats – Varanasi is known for its ghats, where pilgrims come to offer prayers and perform rituals. Located on the banks of the river Ganges, the ghats are considered sacred. This river has been considered sacred since time immemorial. The Varanasi Ghats are full of tourists who visit these places every day to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River. With the perfect family resort, you can reach all the viewpoints easily. It is rated one of the top places for sightseeing in Varanasi.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – The oldest university in Asia, BHU was established in 1854 by Lord Macaulay. It has an ancient library called Bharat Kala Bhavan, with rare books from around the world. It also holds a place for artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and many more from the 1st to 15th centuries.
- Ramnagar fort – Don’t forget to visit the Ramnagar fort’s Mughal-style architecture. It features intricate stone sculptures and broad arched balconies. Tourists visit to see the royal portraits, palanquins, silver elephant saddles, and many more! It also has an arsenal of weaponry from countries like Japan, Burma, and other African countries.
Things to Do in Varanasi
- Ganga Aarti – Ganga Aarti is one of the most popular events in Varanasi. It takes place at Baoli Bazaar Ghat along the Ganga River. During Janmashtami, you should visit Varanasi to witness this ritual. But, you can experience this every day during the evenings.
- Street Food – Apart from the spectacular history of architecture, the city also has a rich cuisine experience. Their street foods are a must try, ranging from sweet to savoury; the uniqueness is something to be experienced. Their Kachori Sabzi is the most popular breakfast in Varanasi, and it meets everyone’s expectations!
- Shopping – Varanasi is also a hub for its famous silk. Shopping is one of the most fun things to do here. From affordable rare materials to exotic ones, Varanasi is a place for all! Apart from silk, Varanasi is also known for its crystal and stone Shivlingas.
Conclusion
Since Varanasi is the religious centre of India, planning the trip will come in handy. It is a fascinating city with its own culture. Embrace the experience and make it memorable. Check OYO’s family room hotel options for a comfortable stay at incredible prices anywhere in Varanasi!