Varanasi runs on dairy. Thandai is a cold milk beverage prepared with a paste of almonds, cashew nuts, poppy seeds, fennel, rose petals, and pepper. It is refreshing and cooling in the summer. During festivals like Shivratri and Holi, it is famously mixed with 'Bhang' (edible cannabis paste) as an offering to Lord Shiva—tourists should exercise caution with the 'special' version!
The Lassi here is a meal in itself. It is thick, hand-churned yogurt sweetened with sugar and served in clay kulhads. It is universally topped with a thick layer of 'Rabri' (clotted cream) and sometimes rose syrup. The Blue Lassi Shop near Manikarnika is a famous stop for travelers.
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.
