Mauni Amavasya

Mauni Amavas, or Mauna Amavasya, is the no moon day in the Magha month (January – February) as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. In 2014, the date of Mauni Amavasi is on January 30. It is also an important bathing date at during the annual Magh Mela and Magha Snan and Kumbh Mela. The word ‘mauna’ or ‘mauni’ means silence and several Hindus keep complete silence on the day.

According to Hinduism, ‘Mauna’ (silence) is an essential part of spiritual discipline. Derived from the word muni, a Sanyasi or saint who practices silence, mauna ideally symbolizes a state of oneness with the Self. Mauna has also been described by Adi Shankaracharya as one of the three essential attributes of a Sanyasi.

In modern day, it was Ramana Maharshi who popularized silence as a medium of spiritual instruction. For him silence was a state beyond speech and thought – it is living without the ego sense.

On Mauni Amavasi day, large number of Hindu devotees join Kalpavasis at Sangam in Prayag (Allahabad) and meditate the whole day. 

Mauni Amavasi is a day of spiritual sadhana – a day to make an attempt to getting into the habit of calming the restless mind.

Dalmia House

Dalmia House in Kamachha, Varanasi provides services in Banquet Halls and Banquet Halls.

Varanasi Railway Station In Republic Day

Varanasi Railway Station is decorated in tricolors lightning of Indian flag in the eve of Republic Day of India.

26 January

Republic Day - The day the Constitution of India came into effect 

Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January to commemorate the date and moment when the Constitution of India came into effect. Although India attained independence on August 15, 1947 but till 1949 it didn't have a permanent constitution of its own and instead were functioning under the laws enacted and implemented by the British. And after many amendments the Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949 that came into force in a full-fledged fashion from on 26 January, 1950. Thus, Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the coming of the Constitution into effect. 

India celebrates its Republic Day in colourful and exciting ways. To mark Republic Day in a memorable and significant way, every year in New Delhi, capital of India, a grand parade is held that starts from the Raisina Hill in the neighborhood of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan and passes along the Rajpath thus ending at India Gate. The President, Prime Minister and other high rank officials of India on this occasion make their presence at Rajpath to celebrate the occasion. The President unfolds the National flag as soon as the National Anthem is played and also addresses the nation with Republic Day speech. Furthermore, the Republic Day parade also includes lively displays and exhibits India's rich and colouful culture and also brings the entire nation together. The parade concludes with the flypast by Indian Air Force jets. 

On Republic Day, martyrs and heroes who showed courage and bravery for country's sake without bothering their own lives is also remembered and conferred prestigious and significant awards including Kirti Chakra and Ashok Chakra are conferred on the event by the President. Since 1950, for Republic Day celebrations India has been inviting guests of high dignitaries of another country as the state guest of honour. 

Not only in New Delhi, but other states also celebrate Republic Day with great enthusiasm and in numerous innovative ways. The Republic Day 2014 will be observed on Sunday (26 January) and the public offices and schools will remain closed to celebrate the significance of the day. 

The patriotic fervor of the people is witnessed not only in the programmes and activities but also in the inspirational Republic Day SMS and Republic Day messages. On this day people send warm wishes about Republic Day to their dear ones that lend a festive ambience to the historic occasion. Short and lovely text messages are also a wonderful way to spread the importance of the Republic Day. 

Dawn Boat Ride

Viewing the Ghats from a boat on the Ganges, especially at sunrise, is an unforgettable experience! They offer a panoramic view of the various early morning activities - from ablution to workout - of a multitude of people, for whom the river is the be all and end all of life. It's also a pleasure to walk down the entire stretch of the Ghats along the Ganges. Here people consult the astrologers under their palm leaf parasols, buy offerings for rituals, sell silk apparels and brassware, or just gaze at the faraway horizon where the mighty river meets the heavens.

Migratory Birds

Migratory birds from parts of Europe and Central Asia annually arrive at the banks of Ganges River in Varanasi attracting the attention of residents and tourists alike.

Migratory birds throng banks in the month of November and December as their sounds add a distinct presence at the holy river.

These birds thrive in the temperate summers of central Asia's Pamir Mountains and fly down to India to escape the bitter cold winters of the region.

"These birds arrive at the onset of the winter season, and are very attractive. They leave after the winter months. They come and go every year and increase the beauty of the ancient river banks of Varanasi," said Jeet Kumar, an avid bird watcher.

The birds also bring better earnings for boatmen at the 'ghats' who take the tourists closer to the birds to get a better glimpse.

"Tourists come and take boats to the river. They like what they see. Bird feed is sold on the boats, they buy it and feed the birds," said Shambhu, a resident.

India boasts of a diverse presence of birds with the total number of recorded species exceeding 1300.

80 species are migratory and throng many sites across the country during the winter, which is quite temperate compared to the harsh cold of their native regions.

Tripura Bhairavi Ghat

Tripura Bhairavi Ghat", is a sacred spot for South Indian pilgrims particularly for those coming from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Ram bhavan present on this ghat is a free house of south Indian pilgrims. Mir Ghat is adjacent to it. This ghat is named after the Tripura Bhairavi Shrine, a female partner of Tripureswar whose image also exists there. Another important shrine is of Varahi Devi, one of the eight mother-goddesses. In late eighteenth century king of Benares and pandit Mayananda Giri had patronize to make this ghat perfect.

Shool Tankeshwar Mahadev Temple

Shool Tankeshwar is located at Dasaswamedh Ghat steps. People can reach Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and climb down the steps towards the Ghat. The temple is quite famous, also known as Bada Ling.

Munshi Premchand Statue At Pandeypur

The re-installed statue of legendary litterateur Munshi Premchand was unveiled by the district magistrate Pranjal Yadav on Saturday (11/01/2014).

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is the only Hindu festival which is based on the Solar calendar rather than the Lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated by taking dips in the Ganga or any river and offering water to the Sun god. The dip is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Special puja is offered as a thanks giving for good harvest.

Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter, the food prepared for this festival are such that they keep the body warm and give high energy. Laddu of til made with Jaggery (Gur) is specialty of the festival.In Maharshtra it is called 'Tilgul', but the place where it is celebrated with much pomp is Andhra Pradesh, where the festival is celebrated for 3 days and is more of a cultural festival unlike an auspicious day as in other parts of india.