The holy city of Varanasi Mar 1, 2024

Known for its sacred ghats and bustling alleys, Varanasi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the northern part of India. Located about 120 kilometres downstream from Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindu spirituality and tradition. The mighty Ganges is said to have originated in Lord Shiva"s hair and grown into the revered river that flows through Varanasi today. Along with Sarnath, the city has stood as a venerable centre of education and civilisation for over three millennia. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded the largest university in Asia, the Banaras Hindu University in this city, and the Theosophical Society, led by Annie Besant, also operated in Varanasi. Rightly referred to as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi continues to be a thriving platform for the flourishing of various artistic endeavours, including music, dance and philosophy.

© Jesse Rockwell/Shutterstock

palette

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar 6, 2024Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
May 30, 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Oct 20, 2023Pygmy three-toed sloth baby, Isla Escudo de Veraguas, Panama
Aug 12, 2024World Elephant Day
Feb 5, 2024Monarch butterflies
The epitome of luxury
Nov 23, 2024Fibonacci Day
We’ve identified these ‘flying objects’
Piecing together a better tomorrow
Aug 12, 2025World Elephant Day
A natural spotlight
Celebrating our looming lunar neighbour
What are these unique creatures?
Jan 3, 2024Virupaksha temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Oct 16, 2024Jurassic Coast, Dorset, United Kingdom
May 28, 2025World Otter Day
The mystery of Stonehenge
Aug 3, 2025Blooming sunflowers
May 11, 2024An indigo on a branch, Texas, USA
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
Republic Day
A future built on the past
Nov 23, 2023Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
Apr 20, 2025Easter
A city so nice they made it twice
Jun 9, 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
Oct 12, 2024Mysore Dasara
Hovering over harmonious horticulture
Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?
Oct 27, 2025Chhath Puja