By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! I love the adrenaline of a friend trip, but sometimes, an adventure needs a deeper, quieter rhythm. Recently, I traveled with my family—my parents and younger sister—to Varanasi, or Kashi, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. This wasn’t about epic rafting or beach parties; it was about epic history, profound spirituality, and lovely moments of shared wonder.
Chapter 1: The Sensory Overload and the Ganga’s Embrace
Varanasi hits you all at once. It’s a riot of sound, smell, and color—temple bells, chanting, floral offerings, and the constant, lively bustle of the narrow galis (alleys). For my family, the first few hours were sensory overload, but we quickly settled into the city’s ancient flow.
Our main goal was to connect with the Ganga. We took a small wooden boat out at dawn. This was the first epic moment. Watching the sun rise over the river, casting a deep, golden light over the 80-plus ghats, was absolutely breathtaking. The ghats—the steps leading down to the river—were already alive with people bathing, performing morning rituals, and doing yoga. It felt like watching humanity’s timeline unfold right before our eyes. The river is the city’s lifeline, and seeing its spiritual significance through my parents’ eyes was incredibly moving.
Chapter 2: The Lovely Evening Aarti
The highlight of the trip, the most beautiful moment, was the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. We arrived early to secure seats and watched the massive crowd grow.
As the ritual began, with the synchronized movements of the priests, the smell of sandalwood, the clash of cymbals, and the powerful, resonant chanting, the entire atmosphere became electric. The sight of the massive brass lamps, swaying in unison, reflected on the dark water, was mesmerizing. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my family, completely immersed in this thousands-year-old tradition, was a profound and lovely reminder of our cultural roots and the enduring power of faith. It was a shared moment of silence and awe that we will talk about for years.
Chapter 3: Wandering the Labyrinth of History
The rest of our 4-day trip was spent exploring the tight, twisting alleys that snake away from the river. These galis are the true circulatory system of Varanasi. We found hidden temples, tiny shops selling exquisite silk and handicrafts, and old eateries serving the most authentic Kashi cuisine.
My sister and I spent an afternoon trying every form of street food—from the famous kachori sabzi to the creamy malaiyo—while my parents happily navigated the spiritual sites. The fun with family wasn’t the high-octane kind; it was the joy of walking at a slower pace, discussing the history on every corner, and watching the timeless rituals of the city. We learned that an adventure doesn’t always have to be about physical feats; sometimes, the greatest adventure is diving deep into culture and history with the people you love.
Varanasi is a must-visit. It’s a city that challenges your perspective and soothes your soul. Go there with your family and experience the beautiful, eternal cycle of life on the banks of the sacred Ganga.
What’s the most ancient city you’ve ever visited? Share your thoughts below!
Stay rooted, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
