Banaras: the holy city

Description: Presents various facets of life in the ageless city of Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Benares. The origin of the city is not known. It has been a Hindu sacred city, the home of Shiva, Lord of the Universe, for centuries. Includes prayers and chants, ceremonies and acts of devotions in temples and on the holy river bank; traditional Hindu schools; the 200 year-old observatory, centre of astrology; Sanskrit education at the University of Banaras; traditions and cottage industries; the nearby shrine where Buddha preached his first sermon; Buddhist devotions around it.