Baati Chokha is the soul food of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 'Baati' are hard, round balls of wheat flour, often stuffed with Sattu (roasted gram flour), which are baked over an open fire of cow dung cakes (upla). 'Chokha' is a mash made of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, mixed with mustard oil, garlic, and chilies.
The baked Baati is crushed open and drowned in melted ghee before being served with the spicy Chokha and dal. It is an earthy, smoky, and incredibly filling meal.
While originally rural food, there are now dedicated restaurants in Varanasi serving authentic Baati Chokha in a traditional ambiance with charpoys (string beds) for seating.
The most spectacular and bustling ghat in Varanasi, famous for the Agni Pooja (Ganga Aarti). Legend says Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here, making it a site of supreme cosmic power and vibrant daily devotion.
The Mahashmashana or 'Great Cremation Ground.' It is believed that the fires here have never gone out for centuries. Hindus believe cremation here grants immediate liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
The southernmost ghat where the river Assi meets the Ganges. Famous for its 'Subah-e-Banaras' morning program, yoga sessions, long-term student residents, and a more tranquil, bohemian atmosphere.
