The Cultural City ----Lucknow

 LUCKNOW

Lucknow City is the capital of Uttar Pradesh (UP),  It has rich culture, architecture, music, dance handicrafts, etiquette, or sports. Lucknow City cultural extravaganza, known all over the world for its many splendors. A city that has a magical charm, a charm that's forever and a charm that's apart. The local culture of Lucknow City and style of speaking Urdu like tahjeeb rakhiye ,pahale aap and aap janab makes it different from apart of world. This one of the few city in which Muslims live in complete harmony with Hindus and they have never faced any religious problems.

Lucknow city was the capital of Awadh from 1775. The rapid growth of Lucknow was when the fourth Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula transferred the capital of Avadh from Faizabad to Lucknow and began constructing some splendid architectural marvels, A tradition that was sustained by this successors. During this period. Lucknow also established its pre-eminent place in the field of poetry, music and dance Some of the best monuments in Lucknow are the Bara Imambara and the Chota Imambara etc. Lucknow is one of the fastest growing city in India that is witnessing an economic boom.

Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and it has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city are well known amongst Indians and students of South Asian culture and history. Lucknow is popularly known as the The City of Nawabs.It is also known as the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-i-Hind and The Constantinople of India.

Lucknow, the golden city of the east' retains an old world charm that fascinates one and all. Regarded as one of the finest cities of India, Lucknow emanates a culture that combines emotional warmth, a high degree of sophistication, courtesy and a love for gracious living. This sublime cultural richness famous as 'Lucknowi Tehzeeb' blends the cultures of two communities living side by side for centuries, sharing similar interests, speaking a common language -Urdu. Many of the cultural traits and customs peculiar to Lucknow have become living legends today. The credit for this goes to the Nawabs of Awadh, who took keen interest in every walk oflife and encouraged them to attain a rare degree of perfection

CRAFTS OF LUCKNOW

For centuries   Lucknow has been   famous for its various handicraft   works. The Nawabs of Awadh were   great patrons of fine arts of which the   most well   known is the exquisite Chikan work.  Chikan is a unique craft involving   delicate and artistic hand embroidery   In a variety of textile fabric like   muslin, siIk, chiffon, organza, doriya   and organdi. There are 36 types of stitches used in chikan work. of which  murri, bakhia, ,jali, tepchi, tappa, dhum,   katao are widely used to produce   exquisite designs. Lucknow has  produced many renowned artisans of   chikan work like Ustad Faiyaaz Khan   and Hasan Mirza Saheb   . Apart from kurtas. sarees. salwar   suits, topis, hankeys and dupattas,   chikan embroidery is being used on   new items I ike table covers, tray   covers, napkins etc. The demand for   these exquisite art pieces is ever increasing both in India and abroad.   In Lucknow the main concentration   of chikan work is to be found in the chowk locality and Daliganj.  Besides chikan work the Zardozi and Kamdani works of Lucknow are also  appreciated far and wide.                                     These hand embroidery works with gold and silver thread are done on sarees, dupattas, lehengas, cholis, caps, shoes etc.  From time immemorial Lucknow is known for its jewellery and enamelling work.                                                  Exquisite silverwares like bowls, tea-sets, salt cellars with patterns of hunting scenes, snakes and roses are very   popular. The Bidri and Zarbuland silver works of Lucknow                                                 find expression on excellent pieces of huqqa farshi, jewel boxes, trays, bowls, cuff-Iinks, cigarette holders, etc.  Life -like ivory and bone carvings from Lucknow with motifs of flowers, leaves, creepers, trees, birds and animals are widely appreciated. The master craftsmen create intricate items like knives, lamp shades, shirt pins and small toys. In fact the ivory works from this city   continue to find a place at museums   and  private   collections   of   connoisseurs   Fine pottery from Lucknow is yet   another work of art that has captured   the imagination of the consumers. The   long necked water pitchers and   huqqa farshi are specially popular.   'Attar'('Itr') or perfumes which were   introduced in India by the Muslims,   reached a new hight in Lucknow.  From the 19th century the Lucknow  perfumers experimented   and   succeeded in making attar with   del icate and lasting fragrances   Created from various aromatic   herbs, spices, sandal oil, musk   essence of flowers, and leaves the   famous Lucknowi fragrances are   khus, keora, chameli, zafran and   agar   Apart from perfumes, Lucknowi   Paan, Zarda (chewing  tobacco), and Khamira produced by the local   tobacconists are hot favourites   among consumers.   Another craft that has reached a   high level of artistry in Lucknow is   Kite making. Although Kite making   is popular throughout India, this activity   has attained perfection only in Lucknow. Under Nawabi patronage   this form of art flourished in Lucknow   and different types of Kites and flying   strings were developed.   Besides these well known craft works,   mention must be made to some other   flourishing crafts like gota weaving,   dyeing and calico printing, silver   varq making, woodworks and tazia   making. Beautiful tazias of zari, gold   and silver paper are made by master craftsmen to mark the solemn   occasion of Moharrum. All in all, with these multiferious craft   specialities Lucknow promises to be   a shoppers' delight that's hard to   resist. In their own distinctive wav   these   crafts   have   provided   employment to thousands, delighted   many more and continues to keep   alive the invaluable traditions of a   magnificent city

CULTURE OF LUCKNOW 'Lucknow', this name is synonymous with architectural beauties of 'Lakhauri' bricks, the fragrance of  'itra', musical notes, the sound of  dancers' trinklets, the sweetness of 'dussheri' mangoes, 'malai' and 'gulab revadis', and of course its 'Mehman Nawazi'. Known for its refinement in speech, entertainment, dresses and manners, Lucknow is also called the 'City of Adab'. Infact, it is here that one can experience hospitality in the true sense of the term. Various cultural ingredients have contributed to the richness of this unique city. Mention must be made of the Urdu language. Gazals, Shairi, expressive dance forms, colourful festivals, buzzing chowks and various exciting games like Patangbazi, Baterbazi & Kabutarbazi    Lucknow became the focal point of a cultural renaissance with theshifting of capital from Faizabad to Lucknow in 1776. Under royal patronage Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Gazals, Qawalies and Sher-o-Shairi reached their zenith point. As a centre of Islamic learning Lucknow witnessed the formation of Lucknow school of poetry under renowned poets like Anes, Dabeer, Imam-Buksh 'Nasika', Mirza Mohd. Raza Khan Burq, Atish, Mirza Shauq Asar, Josh and others. Apart from Gazals, another form of long narrative poem for which Lucknow is famous is Masnavi. Elegy writing in Urdu also reached a new height through the three forms-'marsiyas'*. 'salams'* and 'nauhas'*. Urdu as a language attained a rare degree of perfection in Lucknow and slowly Lucknow emerged as a cradle of unforgettable gazals, masnavi, elegy, hazal* and dramas. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, himself composed a number of songs and dramas under the pen name of , 'Akhtari Pia'. Of the famous Indian dance styles kathak is closely associated with Lucknow. This devotional dance stvle of pre-Mughal days was transformed into a highly eclectic dance form under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh. Pandit Iswari Prasad Mishra of Handia is said to be the founder of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak. The Kathak school founded by him was perfected by his sons Thakur Prasad, Durga Parsad. Bindadin. Kalka Prasad and the three sons of Kalka -Achchhan Maharaj, Lachchu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj. Today Pandit Birju Maharaj is the living doyen of this glorious house of LucknowTurning to the festivals that make, Lucknow one-of-a-kind, mention must be made to the Moharrum festival. Commemorating the death of  Imam Hussain, Moharrum witnesses emotional  processions of tazias (models of Imam Hussain's mausoleum at Karbala, Iraq) & Alam's.Not only festivals, the people of this beautiful city 'indulge in various  exciting contests that have come  down from the time of the Nawabs. Kite flying is one such sport. Kites of different shapes, sizes, colours take to the skies leading to all round excitement and enjoyment The art of training pigeons which was             perfected by the nobility of yesteryears is prevalent even today. The pigeon flying event is yet another exciting game that is eagerly awaited. No account of Lucknowi culture is complete without a mention of the famous 'Chowk' of Lucknow. The term  'Chowk' has become synonymous with Lucknow. 'Chowk' has played a vital role in the development of the Lucknowi culture. It is the pivotal point around which the traders, engravers, painters. artisans, weavers,singers and nautch girls flourished and grew. This main bazar of yester years has not changed much. but transformation is there. Its humming and lively characteristics represent Lucknowi culture in its modern day context.                                                                              CUISINE OF LUCKNOW

Like various other art forms. the culinary art of Lucknow was also raised to a fine art under royal patronage. A favourite past time of the nobility of Awadh was perfecting the art of  cooking. The bawarchis and rakabdars of Awadh, by their expertise of blending spices, achieved a high degree of finesse in cooking and presentation of food that took culinary art to the highest realms. This gave birth to the Dum style of cooking or the art of cooking over a slow fire, which has become synonymous with Lucknow today. The bawarchisof Awadh transformed the traditional dastarkhwan with elaborate dishes like kababs, kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, zarda, sheermal, roomali rotis and warqi parathas. The richness of Awadh cuisine lies not only in the variety of cuisine but also is the ingredients used in creating such a variety. Nahari a hot favourite of Awadh is a meat preparation with thick spicy gravy. In 'Pai ki Nahari' leg and other bones are cooked and bone juice is mixed with a mouth watering gravy. Nahari was originally a beef preparation eaten with Kulchas . Now-a-days mutton is used instead of beef in houses. The best place where beef Nahari is still served in Lucknow is the Rahim's shop inside Akbarigate which has produced some of the best Nahari dishes for the past five generations. Lucknow is also proud of its Kababs. The Kakori Kababs. Galawat ke Kababs Shami Kababs. Boti Kababs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Ghutwa Kababs and Seekh Kababs are among the known varities. The 100 year old 'Tunde ke Kabab' in chowk is the most famous outlet for choicest Kababs even today. Karma a preparation ofmeat in gravy was an essential item of the A wadh dastarkhwan. 'Biryani' was yet another item cooked in Dum style. The method imparted a typical Awadhi flavour to this rice preparation. The warqi paratha and sheermals are other sumptuous dishes of Lucknow that are simply a gourmet's delight.      Heritage Tourism In Lucknow Bada Imambara :Imambara is the place where Muharram, the muslim festival commences. The Bada Imambara is also called the Asfi Imambara, named after Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Oudh, who built the structure in 1784. This is the most famous monument of Lucknow, consisting of a magnanimous hall of 900 sq mt and 15 mt high ceiling which is built without any support of iron beams or any other support. It served as an invincible structure to protect its inhabitants and the Bhool Bhulaiya, a complex structure of numerous passages, built inside fort-structure, superimposes this purpose. Chota Imambara : Chhota Imambara is another brilliant piece of Mughal architecture, built in the 19th Century. It stands next to the famous Bada Imambara with an attention-grabbing golden tomb and minarets. The decorated interiors with stunning chandeliers and calligraphy are a must-see. The Chhota Imambara also has the Nawab's throne and tomb. Rumi Darwaza Or The Turkish Gate :Located next to the Bada Imambara in Old Lucknow, Rumi Darwaza, is one of the best Gateways in the whole world. The gateway is a 60 ft entrance to the walled city and looks like the gateway in Istanbul or the erstwhile Constantinople. Juma Mazjid :Juma Masjid is more known for the Picture Gallery that it exhibits, a marvellous collection of paintings and portraits of the Nawabs and their wives. It was built by Mohommad Ali Shah in the nineteenth Century. Clock Tower :Next to the Juma masjid, is the Clock Tower, which is the largest in India. British Residency : The Residency built for the Britishers in 1800 AD by Sadat Ali, a great architect of that time, the structure was badly destroyed during the first war of independence in India in the year 1857, leaving the remnants of the excuisite building behind. Fairs And Festivals Muharram : A festival celebrated in the memory of Islamic Prophet Hussein, Muharram holds a special place for the Muslims. It is celebrated on a large scale in Lucknow owing to the huge population of Muslim in this area. Though fasting starts ten days before Muharram but ton the tenth day, it is considered very important to fast to get rewards from the Deity. People vow to make their enemies, their friends and do charitable deeds on this auspicious day. Lucknow Mohotsav : Celebrated every year on 25th of November, Lucknow Festival brings the city to life with its vibrant ten-day long festival which consists of classical dance performances, traditional processions, music concerts from the Lucknow Gharanas or Gurus of classical singing, kite flying competitions,etc which creates a carnival-like atmosphere in the city. Shopping Chikan work or embroidery with gold and silver threads, is the most famous and most shopped for item in Lucknow. White Kurtas with chikan work was the most preferred traditional wear of the Mughal rulers and the Nawabs who resided here. Another specialty of Lucknow which can be picked from its markets are gem-studded jewellery, danglers and jhumkas, which are famous all over India and are promoted in Indian Film Industry also. The best shopping areas of the city are Aminabad, Alambagh, Kapoorthala, Indiranagar and Nishatganj. You can also visit malls at Hazratganj and Gomti Nagar. But don't miss the delicious and motuh-watering delicacies of Lucknow mainly Biryani and Gosht for the non-vegetarian lovers and the phirnis and shaahi tukda for those with a sweet tooth. The Nawabi Dastarkhaan is famous all over the country. How To Get There Air : Amausi Airport located in the city is a domestic airport connecting it to major cities of the country including Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi. Rail : Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh is the main railhead of the city. and well connect to all over India . Road : UP roadways provides a good network of roads, highways and transport service to the city. Lucknow is connected to Delhi via NH24 and to Varanasi via NH56. Bhim Rao Ambedkar is the main bus terminal of the city, located in Alambagh.

 THE TELEGRAPH REPORT

The 50 greatest cultural destinations: Lucknow / Uttar Pradesh, India

Steeped in history and culture, Lucknow is a city you will never want to leave, says John Graham-Hart.

Lucknow, India Photo: Akhilesh Sharma - Fotolia

John Graham-Hart 3:32PM GMT 14 Jan 2011

Lucknow is a not a city you will want to return to, it is a city you will never want to leave. Set on the banks of the Gomti, it is where courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, dance and fine cuisine reached their zenith in India under the area’s highly-cultured Nawab rulers.

It is also where Indian India finally not so much met British India but collided head on, resulting in the terrible siege of its British Residency which left thousands dead on both sides during the Indian Mutiny. Today, the haunting ruins of the Residency remain much as they were left after the last shot.

 

The Holy City Varanasi

• Varanasi, or Benaras, (also  known  as Kashi)  is  one  of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author  and  literature,  who  was  enthralled  by  the  legend  and sanctity of Benaras,  once wrote : "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" .  According to the ‘Vamana Purana’, the Varuna and the Assi rivers  originated  from  the  body of  the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be ‘Varanasi’, the holiest of all pilgrimages.
• The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘ created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion , it  has  always  attracted  a  large  number  of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself…. an experience in  self–discovery… an eternal oneness of the body and soul.
• To every visitor; Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmer -ing across the Ganges… the high-banks ;  the temples and shrines along the banks bathed    in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras alongwith the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – the land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss.
• Varanasi is also renowned for its  rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and  education.  Some of the world renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the  art of silk weaving, an exotic work of  art  which  manifests  itself  in  precious  Banarasi Silk Sarees  and Silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.
• There are total 84 Ghats in Varanasi.
   
• Map Of Ghats
  List of Important Temples.  
  
  THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
  
  Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
• ANNAPURNA TEMPLE  

                 Near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, there is a nice temple of Devi               Annapurna , believed as  the "Godess of Fooding".                                            

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• SANKATHA TEMPLE        Near the Sindhia Ghat , there is a important temple of "Godess of Remedy"  Devi Sankatha. Inside its premises there is a huge statue of a Lion. Also there is nine temples of nine planets nearby to this temple.
• KALBHAIRAV TEMPLE        It is the ancient temple of Varanasi near the Head Post Office, VishesharGanj. God KalBhairav is believed as "Kotwal Of Varanasi" , without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.                                                                                                                      
• MRITUNJAY MAHADEV TEMPLE     On the route of Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple this temple of Lord Shiva is  situated .  Just besides this temple there is a Well of much religious importance , whose water is said to be mixture of several underground streams  and good for eliminating several diseases.
• NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE       Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.
• DURGA TEMPLE    Commonly called the ‘Monkey temple’, it was built in the 18^th century. Although it is one of the best-known temple. There is nice stonework done of the temple , it is the nice example of NAGRA Shilp.  Godess DURGA is believed as the symbol of Strength and Power which govern the entire world.  There is a pond adjacent to the temple call   "Durgakund".                                                                                                       
• TULSI MANAS TEMPLE
• Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls. It is just nearby to Durga Temple.
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• SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE
• Besides the Assi river stream, on the way of Durga Temple to Banaras Hindu Temple this well known temple of Lord Hanuman is situated. Lord Hanuman is also known as "Sankatmochan" the god who protects from the troubles. This temple is founded by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is also known as "Monkey" temple, as lot of monkeys are there inside the premises.
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• BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
• This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.
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• Apart from listed temples there are so many temples which are having importance in the history of Varanasi.
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• How to Reach Varanasi
• Varanasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Very well connected by road, rail and air, the City of. offers convenient and comfortable traveling options to and from other cities of India.
• TOURIST OFFICE Regional Tourist Office/ Tourist Bunglow , Parade Kothi , Opposite Railway Station          Phone : (542) 2208413, 2206638
  
  AIR
• Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a. direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra,. Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. The contact nos. of various airlines and other information  are :
  
  
  
  

  *  Indian Airlines. Ph: (0542)-2502527,2502528,2502529

  *  SpiceJet  09871803333,18001803333    Website            www.spicejet.com

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  RAIL   ( Visit  Indian Railways: www.indianrail.gov.in  & www.irctc.co.in )
• Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahbad, Lucknow, Dehradun… the city has direct rail connections. Varanasi Cantt Railway Station Enquiry number 135. Some important trains from Varanasi station are Kashi Vishwanath Express (Varanasi-Delhi), Shramjivi Express (Patna- Varanasi-Delhi), Farakka Express (MaldaTown-Varanasi-Bhiwani), Mahanagri Express (Varanasi-Mumbai), Pawan Express (Varanasi-Mumbai), Sabermati Express (Varanasi-Ahamedabad), Ganga-Kaveri Express (Varanasi-Chennai), Purva Express (Howrah- Varanasi-Delhi), Himgiri Express (Jammu-Varanasi-Howrah), Siyaldah Express (Varanasi-Jammu Tawi), Marudhar Express (Varanasi / Agra /Jaipur).
• From Mughal Sarai Station: (16 Km. from Varanasi) Train from Mughal Sarai Station are Rajdhani Express (Howrah – Mughal Sarai- Delhi), Toofan Express (Howrah- Mughal Sarai- Delhi), North East Super Fast Express (Delhi –Mughal Sarai-Guwahati), Magadh Express (Delhi- Mughal Sarai – Patna)
ROAD     
• Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH29 to GoraKhpur is connected literally to the rest of the country by good motorable, all – weather roads. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Napal) 386 km., Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorkhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand.
LOCAl TRANSPORT
• Taxis: Private taxis are available from travel agencies, hotels, etc., auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and three wheelers are also readily available.  But on some routes specially the old Varanasi areas of temples and markets, one way traffic is maintained. And on that routes autorikshaws or big vehicles are not permitted. Tourist should aware on hiring private vehicles, usually cars/taxis/four wheelers are charged for 4,8,12 hours or for full day, with kilometer limit, for 8 hours the rate is between Rs. 500-800 for  4 seated cars. The rate of autorikshaw and rikshaw is about Rs.2 /= per Km. The tourist are advised to fix the fair before traveling.
• Morning Tours and Evening Tours are  Organized  from the Tourist Bungalow( Parade Kothi- Opposite Railway Station) and the Govt. Of India Tourist Office, Cantonment.
• LEFT LUGGAGE FACILITY
• Left luggage facility is available at both the Varanasi and Mughalsarai railway stations(24 Hours)
•  Varanasi is having very good facility for accommodation, So many five star hotels and deluxe lodges are present there for tourist accommodation.  
• Shoppers Destination in Varanasi
• Varanasi has, since times immemorial, been hailed as a premier centre for some of the finest handicrafts. The most renowned craft of the city is silk weaving. ‘Baranasi Sarees’ produced by local craftsman are among the most preferred, not only in India but across the world. Brass-ware, copper-ware, ivory work , glass bangles, wood and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. Bhadohi Carpets and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions.
•           SHOPPING
•                 Banarasi Saree
•                 Handicrafts of Varanasi
• Varanasi is famous for it silk weaving, and Banarsi silk are a part of every gril’s trousseau. Banaras brocades are prized the world over. Brass-ware, Copper-ware, Wooden ,Clay toys and Exquisite gold jewelery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. The hand-knotted carpets Mirzapur and Bhadohi and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is also famous for its   ‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel life is also a speciality. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gail,  Golghar and Dalmandi. Some Of the leading Dealers and Manufacturers are as follows:
• Address. 1/88. Gola Ghat, Ramnagar Varanasi-221008 Banarasi Silk Saree Tanchhua Patola Warp - Katan ( Mulbery Silk) 20*22 Width - Katan ( Mulbery Silk) 20*22 Length of Saree - 5.50Mts-5.65Mts. Width of Saree - 45"-46" Colour - Fast Price - Rs.2700.00
• Diamand Silk Co-operative Society Ltd. Development Commissnor for Handioom Govt. of India (Ministry of Textiles) (Under Export Promotion Plans) Add. (Handloom Complex) J.11/63-101.Nati Imli Bunkar Colony Varanasi-221002
• GRAND INDUSTRIAL CO_OPERATIVE SOCIETY ltd. Phone:2331555,2336036,2336376,-A.26/1-A-11.Hasanpura,Varanasi-221001.
• Diamond Silk Cooperative Society Ltd. Handloom Complex J.11/63-101 Nati Imli Bunkar Colony Varanasi-221002
• Jalan's Showroom , Bansfatak Varanasi.
• Jalan's Showroom, Kabira Complex, Durgakund Varanasi
•         GOVT. EMPORIA
• UPICA, Nadesar
• U.P. Handlooms – Lahurabir & Nichi Bagh
• Tantuj-Bengal Emporium, Dashashwamedh Road
• Handloom House, Sigra.
• Places of Interest
• THE KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE
• Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is  Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi.
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• BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
• The Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by special efforts of Nationalist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Today it has grown into one of the biggest universities of India.
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• BARAT KALA BHAWAN, B.H.U                                           
• Started in 1950 as a university museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan in famous for its unique collection of miniature paintings. It has a rich collection of Rajasthani paintings, Pichhawai’s, pahari painting, Nepalese & Tibetan Thankas, Company paintings as well as paintings of contemporary artists, illustrated Mrigavati, Kalpa Sutra, Chora-Panchasika, Laura-Chanda, Shah-nama and some pages of Humza-nama Are the proud possessions of this museum.
• MAHARAJA BANARAS VIDYA MANDIR MUSEUM, RAMNAGER
• Ramnager fort was originally built by Maharaja Balwant Singh (1740-70 AD.) The Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum is housed in the Ramnager fort itself. The museum collection mainly Comprises of textiles, pieces of decorative arts, arms & armours, utilitarian objects, means of transport-old bagghis, palkis & haudasivories, furniture & manuscripts.
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• KASHI VIDYA PEETH
• The Kashi Vidyapeeth was set up in 1920 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta to provide alternate education arrangement discarding that of the British. It soon became a center of national education with Hindi as the medium of instruction. Acharya Narendradev, Babu Sampurnanand, Babu Sriprakash & many more Luminaries of the time have been associated with this institute.
• MUSUEMS & ARTS GALLERIES
• Archaeological musuem Sarnath open 09:30 am.- 5 pm. Friday closed. Ramnager fort museum, open 10 am.-5 pm. Closed on Friday. Bharat Kala Bhawan B.H.U. open 10:30 am.- 4 pm. Clossed on Sundays & university holidays. Archaeological museum, Sampurnanand Sanskrit  University open 10 am. – 5 pm. Clossed on Sunday & university holidays. 
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• RIVER FRONT (GHATS)
• The spectacular 4 km sweep of the Ghats is unique sight, best viewed at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life is almost panoramic detail unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotees-swelling to thousands on auspicious days –perform rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwamedha ghat, where boats are available on hire.
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• DURGA TEMPLE
• Godess Durga is considered as the goddess of Strength and Power. This temple was built in the 18^th century with red stone work. A fine example of Nagara art. This temple falls on the main route from Railway Station to BHU, just before Tulsi Manas temple and Sankatmochan temple.  
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• TULSI MANAS TEMPLE
• Constructed by family of Varanasi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place Where Tulisdas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulidas’s epic are inscribed on the walls.
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• SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE
• Lord Hanuman temple, who is known to be the 'Sankatmochak' is just 300 meters from Tulsi Manas Temple. It is an ancient temple considered as built by Goswami Tulsidas himself.
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• NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE
• Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.
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• ALAMGIR MOSQUE
• An amalgamation of Hindu-Muslim religious sentiments, this mosque is also known as " Beni Madhav ka Darera". Curiously, the entire lower portion of the mosque is retained as a Hindu temple.
• BHARAT MATA TEMPLE
• This Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and houses one perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble.The Temple was gifted by the nationalists Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (Barat Ratana ) and shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians.   
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• JAIN TEMPLE
• The Famous Jain Saint Shvetambar temple is there just on the way from Railway Station to BHU, before Bhelupur street. 
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• CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF HIGHER TIBETAN STUDIES.
• The only institute of its kind in the world, imparting education in the Tibetan language, it was  Est. by the Dalai Lama in 1971. Presently located at Sarnath, the institute has a rare collection of Buddhist texts, Tibetan manuscripts and other journals.
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• Apart form that Sarnath & Chunar is very easily accessible from Varanasi.

• For more information one can also visit the website : varanasi.nic.in

Welcome

Dear Readers, I SAURABH CHHABRA welcome you all to the lovely travel destinations of India with all the details . I would like to have your valuable comments on  the information provided by me on this blog........