Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi: A Tale of Three Cities, in One
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganges, this ancient city is known by three names: Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi. While each name evokes a distinct identity, together they weave the story of a city that has stood the test of time, serving as a spiritual beacon, a cultural haven, and a bustling urban heart.

Kashi: The City of Light
The name Kashi, derived from the Sanskrit word “Kāśa” meaning light or brightness, reflects the city’s spiritual essence. Often referred to as “The City of Light,” Kashi is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For centuries, seekers and sages have walked its sacred ghats, meditating on the eternal truths of life. In Hindu cosmology, Kashi holds a unique place as the site where liberation (“moksha”) is assured for those who die here. The resounding chants, the glow of oil lamps, and the sight of the Ganga Aarti paint Kashi as a city steeped in divine luminosity.
In our opinion, Kashi is the invisible part of this trinity—something you don’t see but feel. It is the mystique that one must breathe in to truly understand. The essence of Kashi lies in its religion and spirituality, exemplified by the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the ancient Kal Bhairav shrine, and the pervasive presence of Shiva in its air. Festivals like Maha Shivratri bring its spiritual fervor to life, while the promise of moksha (liberation) for those who pass away here reinforces its ethereal charm.
Kashi has been a muse for many historical and spiritual figures. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have visited Kashi and contributed to its spiritual legacy, while Swami Vivekananda found inspiration here for his teachings. Even Mirza Ghalib passed through the city en route to Kolkata and penned parts of his masterpiece Chirag-e-Dair here, capturing the city’s essence in verses. In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda describes a profound spiritual rendezvous at Dashashwamedh Ghat, highlighting the city’s mystical allure. No significant spiritual or religious text is complete without a mention of Kashi or Banaras.
Banaras: The Cultural Capital
Banaras, a name that resonates with history and culture, represents the city’s vibrant ethos. This identity is rooted in its role as a melting pot of traditions, art, and craft. The Banaras of folklore is a bustling trade hub, renowned for its exquisite handwoven Banarasi sarees, delectable street food, and the timeless music of the gharanas. It is here that the legends of Tulsidas, Kabir, and Pandit Ravi Shankar come alive. Banaras encapsulates the city’s human spirit — earthy, resilient, and always celebrating the essence of life.
When we talk of Banaras, we talk of the ghats and the Ganga—a combination of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. Banaras is synonymous with craft and tradition, embodied in the world-famous Banarasi Sarees and Banarasi Paan. Notably, you will never hear someone referring to Kashi ka Paan or Kashi Saree; these items are intrinsically tied to Banaras. It is also a city of music, hosting myriad classical music festivals like the Sankat Mochan festival during Hanuman Jayanti, where you can enjoy performances by legendary artists without spending a penny. Institutions like Sangeet Parishad and Kala Prakash keep its musical legacy alive. Festivals like Dev Deepawali transform the ghats into a celestial spectacle, while the city’s street food scene remains unparalleled in its diversity and flavor.
Banaras also finds mention in various literary works. Mark Twain, who visited the city, famously wrote, “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” This observation resonates with the timelessness often attributed to Banaras in Indian literature, where the city is frequently depicted as an eternal cradle of spirituality and tradition, standing unmoved through the ages. Numerous Indian poets and writers, from Premchand to Bhartendu Harishchandra, belonged here and have drawn inspiration from its vibrant streets and ghats.
Historically, the ghats of Banaras were owned by princely states, each marking their presence through architectural contributions. This patronage not only adorned the city with stunning edifices but also enhanced its stature as a spiritual and cultural nucleus, drawing pilgrims and scholars alike to its sacred banks. This tradition stemmed from a sense of devotion and the need to establish a spiritual connection with the sacred Ganges, reflecting the patronage of rulers toward culture and religion.
Varanasi: The Modern Metropolis
Varanasi, the name that most modern maps and governments use, captures the city’s evolving identity in the contemporary world. Derived from its geographical location between the rivers Varuna and Assi, this name represents its physicality, its governance, and its modernization. While often associated with its modern aspects, interestingly the name “Varanasi” is much older than “Banaras,” with references in ancient texts such as the Buddhist Jataka tales and the Mahabharata. Over time, the colloquial name “Banaras” emerged as a derivative of Varanasi, reflecting the city’s evolving identity and its role as a cultural and commercial hub.
Today’s Varanasi is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with modern infrastructure. It’s a hub for education, with institutions like Banaras Hindu University shaping the intellectual fabric of the nation, and a center for global tourism, drawing millions from around the world to its sacred sites. The city’s cultural and spiritual significance also made it a natural choice for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who selected Varanasi as his parliamentary constituency in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
The name Varanasi often conjures images of commerce and urban life. It represents the bustling crowds, chaotic traffic, flourishing banks, modern airports, and a thriving hospitality industry. Adding to this modern evolution, the city is witnessing the development of a new ring road, an upcoming ropeway, a state-of-the-art airport terminal, and a world-class cricket stadium, further enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity.
Three Names, One Soul
Together, Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi embody the city’s multi-dimensional character. Each name tells a story — of spirituality, culture, and modernity. Yet, at its heart, this city remains one: a living, breathing tapestry of faith, art, and humanity. Walking its narrow alleys, listening to its temple bells, or watching the sun rise over the ghats, one realizes that these three identities are not separate but intertwined, much like the threads of a Banarasi saree, creating a single, resplendent whole.
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