Varanasi emerged as one of the favorite destinations for pilgrims and tourists. The AI-generated search outputs or the regular tour itineraries highlight the most popular locations near the Ghats, lanes or temple sites in the city. Thanks to social media for bringing upfront the lesser-known sites and festivities that were unknown to many. This write-up aims to cover some interesting features of the upcoming Dusshera and Durga Puja Festival celebrated in the city.
The festive environment in the city has already taken off this year too with the preparations for Dusshera. Tourists throng to Varanasi in large numbers during the Navratri, Dussehra and Durga Puja holidays enjoy the life and motion in the city but often miss the unique traditions and practices performed at different places due to lack of awareness. Ramnagar, located on the opposite side of Samneghat (Southern Part of the city) attracts people from numerous backgrounds to experience Ramleela. There is a local saying that Ramleela lovers temporarily shift their stay even to Ramnagar!
The events of the Ramayana are enacted in a unique way in the Ramleela performed at Ramnagar. The town has different loactions associated with the actual names of places mentioned in the Ramayana, like Ayodhyaji, Lanka, Panchvati, Chitrakoot and others; at these locations the related events of the Ramlila are performed. For those who are looking for out of the box experience, exploring the sites in Ramnagar where Ramleela is performed and understanding the unique traditions – i.e. preparing the characters, following the crowd to different sites, finding a right place to listen to the narration, etc. will physically and emotionally engage the visitors. One should not miss the ‘bhor ki aarti’ (dawn’s aarti), which is performed in the early morning hours when Lord Ram returns to Ayodhya with Maa Sita after defeating Ravan. It is believed that attendees of Ramleela are blessed by Lord Ram during the aarti.
Other than Ramnagar, Ramleela is organized at various places in the city. This include Pandeypur, Kashipura, Shivpur, Khojwa, Aurangabad, Lanka and Chiraigaon. While the Ramleela (organized by different samitis) take place in the night time. The Bharat Milap (meeting of Bharat with Lord Ram) at Nati Imli attracts residents and visitors in large numbers. This emotional meeting of two brothers often fills the eyes with tears of the witnesses of this event. The enthusiasm of the crowd reaches in its peak when the Raja of Ramnagar blesses the subjects with coins.
The Durga Puja of Varanasi is also another confluence of cultures. The Pandals are designed with novel themes. The devotion pours with excitement and enthusiasm and these pandals are avenues of displaying talents of children and elders alike. The Puja celebrations begin at Pandals on the 6th Day of the Puja and continue till the last day. One may be amazed to see how the city is set into a vibrant canvas with the movement of crowds along the streets to reach the illuminated pandals, which are even located in narrow lanes. Shri Rama Krishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangh celebrate Durga Puja in the most traditional manner in the city. The Pandals echo the drummists (daki) who arrive from West Bengal during the season, the rhythms of dhunichi dance by the community members, and the satvik prasad served at the Pandals to the visitors etc. make the Durga Puja a very special experience in Varanasi.
The festive season not only fills the eyes with vibrant colours but also fills the mind with memorable experiences. While the city celebrates traditions, these festivals add flavour to the touristscape of Varanasi. Residents and tourists find the festivities of Varanasi as an occasion to celebrate life. Tourists those seek authentic cultural experience have to prepare themselves to take-off for a journey through the narrow lanes with a mission of exploration. Most of the performances take place in the evening or night hours; hence, it is important to remember the location of the place of stay, as many newcomers may get confused about the route back to their hotel or guest house. As most of the streets will be filled with visitors, be ready to walk if the places are near the hotels.
