Art and 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 presents a complete museum of Indian
art and culture. At Varanasi one can feel the
changing patterns and movements in course of history.
It has a rich and unique style of art forms and
folk art. For centuries, Varanasi has produced
master craftsmen and earned name and fame for
its beautiful Sarees, handicrafts, textiles, toys,
ornaments, metal work, clay and woodwork and other
crafts.
Since ancient times, Varanasi has been the Capital
of all knowledge (sarva Vidya ki Rajdhani). Varanasi
has produced numerous famous scholars and intellectuals,
who have left their mark in respective fields
of activity. Varanasi is home to numerous universities,
college, schools, Madarsas and Pathshalas and
the Guru Shishya tradition still continue in many
institutions. The literary tradition of languages,
dialects, newspapers, magazines and libraries
continue to even this day.
Varanasi presents a unique social and cultural
fabric. Cultural and linguist pluralism and various
ethnic groups are so very eternal to the holy
city, Varanasi. At Varanasi one gets to explore
the city of affluence, intellectuals, oral traditions,
castes and customs, personalities, professions
and communal harmony. There is another interesting
facet to Varanasi, where one gets to enjoy Benarasi
pans, Thandai, Gamcha, Bahri Alang and Mauj Masti.
Music, drama and entertainment are all synonymous
with Varanasi. Benaras has long been famous for
its music, both vocal and instrumental and has
its own dance traditions. Add to this, Varanasi
has a very rich stock of folk music and drama
(esp. Ramlila), fairs and festival and the rich
tradition of akharas, games and sports. All these
combine together to give a distinct look to the
city of moksha, Varanasi.
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