INTACH , Varanasi

Varanasi reflects a unique identity that has resulted from the combined living memory of the communities settled here, and the multi-dimensional cultural influences accommodated by the city over the years. One of the most ancient cities of the world, ears. One of the most ancient cities of the world, it is a repository of heritage, with a series of invasions and inhabitations informing its secular and spiritual nature, each carrying with it a plethora of both intangible and tangible properties, social contracts and related norms of knowledge, traditions and customs. The steadfast river Ganga, the famous galis, the magnificent ghats, the countless temples, the kunds and places of religious interest, the historic Banaras Hindu University, the sadhus and varied cults, the profound theories of life and death, the commerce, the craftsmanship and culinary flavours, and the vitality of the Banaras gharana and its exponents in the field of music and dance, make the intangible cultural heritage of Varanasi truly exceptional. These intangible inheritances have been listed and documented in this report. The report also highlights the connection of the river Ganga with the city and its people. From the daily Ganga aarti to the last rites and rituals, the river plays a very crucial part in the lives of its residents and the millions of tourists and pilgrims that arrive here for its darshan. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Today INTACH is recognized as one of the world's largest heritage organizations, with over 200 Chapters across the country. In the past 35 years, INTACH has pioneered the conservation and preservation of not just our natural and built heritage but intangible heritage as well. Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through various divisions such as Architectural Heritage, Natural Heritage, Material Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Heritage Craft and Community, Chapters, INTACH Heritage Academy, Heritage Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Listing Cell, and Library, Archives and Documentation Centre. ...view more