Varanasi is one of the oldest living
in the world and the
ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city
is to attain instant salvation. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract
of holy land lying between the rivers Varuna and Assi. Which flow into the Ganga. Varanasi
is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since one of the twelve "Jyotirlinga"
is installed here. Mark
Twain, the American writer who visited the city, wrote
"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend and
looks twice as old as all of them put together" Varanasi has been a great cultural
center, especially in the field of music, learning and the craft of silk weaving. Some of
most renowned exponents of music have drawn their inspiration from Varanasi.