Kashi • Banaras • Varanasi: The Eternal City of Light
Let’s begin this journey with the beginning —
When Rome was not there, this city already was.
When Egypt hadn’t come into existence, this city was still here.
When mankind lived in caves across the world, this city thrived.
In 1897, the writer Mark Twain wrote:
> “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
Banaras. Varanasi. Kashi.
This city has many names. Located in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, northern India, Banaras is a mystic jewel nestled along the ghats of the holy river Ganga.
The idea of this city is such that it welcomes everyone who comes here. You cannot change Banaras — you can only contribute to it.
Since ancient times, travelers, researchers, scholars, and merchants have come to this city seeking something valuable to carry back into the world. There are countless stories associated with this sacred place.
The principal deity of this city is Adishakti – Shiva.
Many of the city’s oldest stories are about them — stories even from the time when time itself did not exist. Confusing, na? Hahaha…
Recent excavations suggest that human settlement in this region dates back more than 5,000 to 10,000 years, perhaps even further.
Unlike today, it was difficult back then to know what to do or access the world’s knowledge, yet people lived in more balance and awareness. There was a system — not written in books, not imposed by anyone — but embedded in life itself.
People instinctively knew what was right and what was wrong for society. Or perhaps, there was no rigid right or wrong — only harmony, and if anything went out of balance, the system could restore it naturally.
The tradition followed in this city is called the Vedic tradition — believed to be introduced by the Saptarishis under the guidance of Shiva himself.
Even today, many practices and rituals are still followed with deep devotion by priests and spiritual seekers.
Ancient educational systems (Gurukuls) still exist here, teaching these sacred methods, philosophies, and stories to dedicated students — offering answers to every kind of situation, for those who truly seek.
n Banaras, nothing is unacceptable.
Everything carries meaning — if you’re ready to go beyond logic.
The ancient roots of this city have always been about what’s best for individuals, society, and nature.
Kashi_Banaras_Varanasi is an urban center from the ancient world that still has so much to offer.
Everything here is tied to a story.
> “This story needs to be sung, from the place where it all began.”
We, at Born in Banaras, welcome you to this enchanting journey —
a mystic jewel on the banks of the holy river Ganga.
NAMASTE
Which literally means:
“I bow down to the divinity in you.”
#Namaste — also spoken as #Namaskar or #Namaskaram — is the traditional Indian way of greeting, practiced across generations, communities, and regions.
This simple gesture expresses honor, humility, courtesy, hospitality, and gratitude.
In recent times, especially during the global pandemic, the world has started to re-evaluate ancient customs and cultural wisdom. Among them, Namaste stood out — a greeting of deep respect that involves no physical contact, yet carries profound connection.
It is not just a greeting. It is an acknowledgment of the divine within each being.
So the next time you greet someone,
do it the Indian way.
🙏 Namaste