Step Into History: Varanasi's Walls Share Their Untold Stories

India.com

2 days ago

Varanasi is the name given to a city like no other, which beats at the spiritual heart of India and resides on the Ghats of the sacred Ganges river. It, in itself, pulsates with life, history, and spirituality. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, has existed for over 3 millenia and for over 3000 years has been a center of culture, religion, and philosophy. The narrow lanes of Varanasi do not just invite only a stroll, rather each wall reminds one of the splendid artistry and intricate carvings they are entwined with. With every single step, the lanes tell one's devotion and resilience towards it.
1.The Soul of Varanasi: A Living Museum
The weathered stones of Varanasi's lively gully remind one of an exquisite art piece. As one begins their stroll through Varanasi's gully, the vibrant scent of marigolds, incense, and freshly cooked food ignites the air around, inviting one to roadside stalls. These walls are not mere structures, rather they are marvelous art pieces that are imbued with intricate carvings. These gully invite one stroll around for ages.
In Varanasi, architecture is about a lot more than just utility – it is about faith and an expression of identity. Temples tower over the modest dwellings, prettified with sculptures of assorted deities. Some walls have carvings of blessings and wisdom in the Sanskrit or Hindi language. Others have nature inspired motifs – lotus flowers, peacocks, and serpents that depict purity, beauty, and eternity. Even the most basic of homes have something to say, whether it is a chai (tea) hand-painted sign or vividly colored murals depicting local celebrations.
2.Tales Carved in Stone and Brick
What about the individuals that constructed those walls and the ones still residing inside them? One thing is for certain – history is alive and is in a symbiotic relationship with daily life. Consider the ghats, for instance. The signature steps descending to the banks of the Ganges are accompanied by structures that harbor ancestral families. Many of those buildings which are today, guest houses or shops to cater to pilgrims and tourists, were once extravagant havelis (mansions). Their eroded shells tell a narrative of an abandoned structure but also speak of how they have stood against time.
The Panchganga Ghat for instance comprises such historical structures. One building outshines the rest of its counterparts — a ruined palace that features intricately carved balconies which face the river. Locals narrate how it was owned by a rich merchant family from the Mughal period. At present, it stands as a monument to the glorious trading history that Varanasi boasted of many centuries ago. The same as Manikarnika Ghat, which is the most sacred cremation site of Hinduism and where the bordering walls are charred black from smoke which silently whispers about the innumerable rituals that have been executed over thousands of years.
Even the most mundane undertakings matter. On some side streets, you may spot a small niche carved into a wall, with a little statue of Lord Shiv positioned in it. Passersby transform this easy to do shrine into a more elaborate type offering by creating flower and sweet offerings. Such actions of civic piety transform everyday locations into holy places, marking the space between the profane and the sacred, the public and the personal.
3.Art and Expression: Murals and Graffiti
The classic aesthetic of Varanasi is slowly being challenged by contemporary art forms. One of them, street art, is beginning to evolve and can be found in some of the neighborhoods with younger and student populations, with a variety of beautiful murals depicting everything from myths to social issues. One responsive mural close to Assi Ghat shows Gandhi's face with a slogan advocating for environmental conservation. Another mural shows classical sitar and tabla surrounded by colorful patterns celebrating Vranasi's rich music culture.
They add to the layers of the city's story, redefining the principles of history in relation to modern art forms. They represent the growing dreams of the people of Varanasi, but at the same time respect its spirit. Street art is different from stone carvings, which are set in their place for eternity and requires a deep understanding of the essence of a city. Street art is forever changing and evolving, much like society. Even in its changeable nature, street art deeply resonates with society.
4.Encounters Along the Way
Strolling through Varanasi offers more than a sight. All your senses come alive. As you navigate the bustling streets, you meet people from all walks of life. Sadhus (holy men) lost in meditation sit cross-legged beside temple entrances, draped in saffron robes. Kids play cricket in open courtyards, crafting their own bats and balls. Elderly women dressed in bright saris gossip with one another while balancing pots of water on their heads.
Every interaction you encounter adds a new layer to the stories each wall has to narrate. A paan (betel leaf parcel) seller shares stories of his ancestor who ran the same business decades ago. A Dashashwamedh Ghat boatman shares his tales about the legends associated with the evening aarti (prayer ceremony). Strangers walk past and contribute their share to the city's collective memory as their playful chuckles and chatter are reflected off the city's walls, just like echoes from the past.
5.Reflections on Timelessness
What makes Varanasi so special is its ability to transcend time. A city where modern life and ancient history live in one place, magic is bound to happen. The ordinary surprises and vice versa. Its walls are crafted with modern paint splashed on some and old carvings chiseled into others allowing us to reflect on the past and hope for the future.
To walk in Varanasi means to enshrine yourself in the wonderful symphony created with sights, sounds and emotions. It enhances the realization that every crag, every inscription, every color means something. Whether you are a curious traveler, looking for inspiration or you are a pilgrim in search of salvation, Varanasi offers a powerful reminder: stories do not just exist because they are written in books. They exist because they are lived and shared.
From the banks of Ganges, as the sun sets, you realize that Varanasi is not a place to visit, instead it is a feeling. And with that feeling comes the realization that you are now part of a story that would outlast you.