Varanasi Culture

The art and culture of Varanasi is unique. It is the rich cultural tradition of Varanasi that makes it the cultural capital of India. A combination of archaeology, mythology, geography, art and history makes Varanasi a great center of Indian culture. Though Varanasi is associated mainly with Hinduism and Buddhism but one can find glimpse of many religious beliefs, types of worship and religious institutions at Varanasi. It is amazing to see the primitive worship cults being practiced at Varanasi.
Varanasi culture is intimately associated with the Varanasi traditions since ages. The living culture and religious traditions of the Varanasi are shown by the three foremost religions which are Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Varanasi has become the center of most significant religious pilgrimage destination for it pilgrims and devotees.
Varanasi is also a centre to arts, like gold and silver thread work, carpet weaving, ivory work, wooden toy-making, brass and copper works and a variety of handicrafts. Being one of the major centres of pilgrimage, Varanasi celebrates almost all the religious festivities with tradition, faith and grandeur. The festivals like Mahashivaratri, Hanuman Jayanti, Nag Nathaiya, Kartik Poornima, Ganges Festival, Ramzan, Shab-e-Barat, Muharram etc. are celebrated with pomp.
Varanasi is also known for its religious and spiritual lifestyle. Temples, mosques and worship play an important role in the day-to-day lives of the people of Varanasi. However, though the socio-economic aspects of Varanasi are highly influenced by religion and spirituality, yet the city is no way behind in modern world. Apart from growing housing and modern industries, Varanasi is also famous for Benaras Hindu University that has given some of the world-renowned scholars.