Varanasi's "Old City, " the quarter near the banks of the Ganges, has crowded narrow winding lanes that are flanked by road-side shops and scores of Hindu temples. As atmospheric as it is confusing, Varanasi's labyrinthine Old City is rich with culture.

Along the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi sits on a higher ground between the rivers Ganges and Varuna and consists of temples and bathing and burning stairs or ghats.

Every evening the Ganga Aarti is held at the Dashashwamedh Ghat which is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River. A group of priests perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) wherein a dedication is made to Lord Shiva, River Ganga (the Ganges), Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe.