Holi is a festival of colors which brings a lot of happiness, joy and makes everyone’s life more colorful. People enjoy the festival of holi every year in the Varanasi city and all around the country to have great joy. Holi is the indication of advent of spring season where everyone flooding out on the street to rejoice together this great occasion without having a little bit tension of their economical status.

The main day of the holi festival is celebrated in many regions by a number of names called as Dhuli (Sanskrit name), Dhulandi, Dhulendi and Dhulheti. People make a heap of the wood and burn that heap indicating the burning Holika (Holika Dahan) with the Prahlad. Devotees make a prayer at that place and hug each other to offer respect and enjoy festival. People then apply the ash (from burned Holika) on their forehead. Next morning to the Holika Dahan, people enjoy holi by applying the colors to each other. People go to everyone’s home to meet them, apply tilak, and distribute sweets which indicate that there is no conflict among them at the great occasion of the holi. Holi is rejoiced at the closing stage of the winter season at the full moon day of Phalguna means February/March. Holi lovers enjoy holi in many ways, they through balloon (filled with colors) to each other; some of them apply the color directly to them and someone uses pichkari to through the liquid color.

Holi 2023

Holi 2023 would be celebrated at Wednesday on 8th of March with the great joy and enthusiasm in India. The coming year Holi will bring a lot of happiness, joy and new expectations in everyone’s life.

History of Holi

Holi, a religious Hindu festival celebrated all over the India by people with a great joy and enthusiasm. Earlier, it was celebrated in India and Nepal only. But, currently it is celebrated almost all the corners of India and other countries as well. It is also enjoyed by the name of Pagwah at some places in India. The significance of the holi festival is very special for the people of Braj region, which is customarily linked to the Lord Krishna, Radha, Mathura, Nandagaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana. These places in India have become most famous tourist destinations during whole season of the year.

Significance of the Holi Festival

There is a great reason behind celebrating the holi festival by the people of Hindu religion. In Vaishnavism, there was a famous demon king named, Hiranyakashyap. He was very strong demon and did a hard ‘Tap’ in order to make happy to Lord Brahma for granting a boon. He was successful in doing so and made sure from the Lord Brahma that he will never be killed by any man, woman or animal, not by astra or shastra, not in a day or night, not inside or outside, not on the earth or in the sky and many more. Lord Brahma was very happy with his hard ‘Tap’ and had given him such type of boon. By getting such a boon, he became very powerful in the whole universe and won the Heaven as well as Earth. He ordered the human beings to stop worshipping Gods otherwise he will kill them. He forced people to start worshipping only him, as he was the only God (according to him).

He had a son, named Prahlada, a devotee of the Lord Vishnu. By seeing the worship of the Prahlad towards Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashyap became very angry and forced him to not to worship the Lord Vishnu and worship his own father. Prahlad was very daring boy, he never frightened with his father and continued worshipping the Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap had started puzzling his son by poisoning, trampling with elephant, keeping him hungry, biting with the poisonous snake, frying him in the boiled oil, but Prahlada was remained unscratched of those. All the attempts of the Hiranyakashyap were being failed and he became angrier than before.

At last, he ordered his demoness sister named ‘Holika’ to sit in the fire by having Prahlad in her lap. She was booned by the Lord that she will never get damaged from the fire. So, she did what she had ordered by his brother, Hiranyakashyap. Prahlada was continued worshipping the Lord Vishnu even sitting in the fire in the lap of the Holika. How embarrassing that event was, but there happened an amazing scene. Prahlad was completely unharmed by the fire but Hiolika got died by burning with the fire. That day, means the liberation of the Prahlad and fiery of the Holika, is renowned as the Holi festival every year.

After all, Hiranyakashyap was killed by the Narasimha (considered as the embodiment of the Lord Vishnu, not a man or animal) by His nails (not by astra or shastra), at the chaukhat (not inside or outside, not in the sky or earth), in the Godhuli time (not in a day or night).

There is another reason also to celebrate holi in the Hinduism. Mathura, the birth place of the Lord Krishna where he grew up and met with the Radha. The holi festival is enjoyed by the Mathuravasi for 16 days till Rangpanchmi (the fifth full moon day after Panchami) to commemorate the great love of the Radha and Krishna.

Some more reasons are:

• Holi is celebrated to enjoy the occurrence of the new season.
• Holi is celebrated to enjoy the new harvests as well as the fertile land.
• People welcome spring season with the colors and say goodbye to the winter.

Holi Songs

Holi lowers are generally used to of the holi songs at least 15 days before and 15 days after the main date of the holi. At the day of holi, there is no gap between any age, status, gender as well as caste. Everybody enjoy holi without any strictness and the whole environment become fill with the great enthusiasm, fun and joy. People apply abir to each other on the forehead. Youngers take ashirvaad from the elders.

People, in the Barsana, Uttar Pradesh play a most famous and unique type of holi known as the lath mar holi in a very big compound of the Radha Rani temple. There is a special process in the lath mar holi, men are beaten by the women through sticks and women sing the holi songs as well as shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna in between the song. This event takes place in front of the thousands of witness.

People in Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate holi in very traditional custom specially by worshipping the Lord Krishna. They enjoy holi for sixteen days. A Ganga mela and holi mela takes place in Kanpur at the occasion of holi. Holi Milan event performed at the evening of holi in which a group of people visit house of their friends in order to put across their thankfulness by applying abir.

There is a variety of holi with different names which are played in many areas of India. Some of are:

• Kumauni holi
• Baithki holi or Nirvan Ki holi
• Khari holi
• Mahila holi

Holi Festival in Varanasi

Holi is celebrated in Varanasi with the great fervor and enthusiasm. Holika lovers celebrate holi with the name Phagva. In the night of Phalgun Poornima, people in Varanasi burn woods and dung cakes in heap. They roast the Jau grain in that fire and make a tilak on their forehead with the Holika ash. Just before the Holika Dahan (evening of Holika Dahan), people from all the home get massage of their whole body with the ripe mustard ubtan and burn the remains from body (ubtan waste) in the Holika. It is considered that, doing so body becomes free from all the ailments and diseases for the whole year.

People accumulate at the time of Holika Dahan and eldest person of the group or purohit start burning the Holika. They make a pray and greet each other by applying abir on the forehead. Some children of the group enjoy firing crackers in front of the Holika. Next day of the Holika Dahan is celebrated as the holi with the multiple colors, abirs etc. They also enjoy bhang with the delicious pakoras and thandai to fully rejoice the festival. Sweets distribution and greetings process takes place in the evening. Children and youths play colors whole day with the extreme pleasure at this festival. Some people also use mud in place of colors. Some people sing the Folk songs and dance in the evening at the tune of dholak and harmonium.

Preparations for the Holi

People prepare themselves for the big festival Holi at least one month earlier. They do whitewashing of their home, cleaning of the house, decorate their house and purchase some big things to make the holi festival memorable. They make purchasing of the clothes for every member of the house, sweets, colors, abir, pichkari etc. Children purchase balloon, colors, abir, gulal, gun, variety of crackers and many more things necessary for the holi celebration. They also make aloo papad, chips, gughiya, namkin, mathri, dahi bade, pani puri, lassi, thandhai, bhang and a variety of dishes at home to make their holi celebration special. Most of the people celebrate holi by eating dishes of the non-vage.

Is Holi Must to Play

It is considered that the end of the winter (when weather changes from cold to spring) brings a lot of problems such as viral fever, cold, cough etc to children as well as elders. It is must to play the holi with colors as it has many types of medicinal effects. Colors are made up of the flowers of Dhak or Palash, Neem, Haldi, Bilva, Kumkum and many more medicinal herbs (advised by the ayurvedic doctors). So, playing holi with the natural colors is totally safe and beneficial.

Precautions for the Holi 2015

Currently, people celebrate holi using the synthetic colors which are made up of the chemically created industrial dyes and slowly the natural colors are reinstated with the synthetic colors. Synthetic colors cause mild or severe skin or eye irritation, inflammation of skin, asthma, eye allergies, puffiness of the eyes as well as can cause even temporary blindness. A long ago, people were celebrating holi in completely safe manner by using natural colors such as the turmeric, extracts of flowers and leaves, sandalwood powder, etc. Never use health impacting colors for example concentrated colors can cause dermatitis.

Such a fearful reports about the health has stimulated the society to promote the natural and safe holi celebration. The Clean India campaign is a campaign in which children make colors themselves for their Holi celebration. In the meantime, the National Botanical Research Institute (a commercial company) has started to market the herbal dyes to make the holi safe.

Lessen the environmental impact as well to lessen the deforestation by less expenditure of the wood at the occasion of holi. We can replace wood with the other material as well as burn only one Holika as per the community instead of burning more than one Holika for the single community. Synthetic colors also involve with the water pollution as well as the wastage of water in major quantity.

Legend of the Holi

Various legends are associated with the grand Hindu festival, holi. The leading legend of the holi festival is demon King Hiranyakashyap who understood himself a God and ordered to people on the earth to worship him. Even he had tried all the attempt on his own son, Prahlad to get worshipped himself but he denied as Prahlad knows his God is only the Lord Vishnu. Finally, he took help of his sister, Holika and ordered her to sit in the fire with the Prahlad in her lap. By the blessings of Lord Vishnu, Prahlad was totally undamaged from the fire but Holika got died. People celebrate that day every year by the name Holika Dahan which indicates the victory of the truth of over the false.

It is also believed that people celebrate holi festival to remember the pure love of the Lord Krishna and Radha.

Another myth about celebrating the holi is, when Lord Shiva had ruined Kamadeva, who later was given his life for his wife Rati. But, he was given his life only as a mental image. It is considered that holi is celebrated for that event as well.

History and Legend of Nakkatayya

Nakkatayya festival is celebrated at Chetganj in Varanasi. It is an event from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana which is commemorated for the slitting of the nose of Supernkha (sister of the Ravan, the devil King) by the Lakshman (younger brother of the Lord Ram). It is considered that Supernkha was very beautiful lady and she was trying to attract both people, the Lord Ram and Lakshman to marry with them.

Supernkha liked them much and wants to marry them, that’s why she had tried to entice them by taking a new look. Lakshman then gets angry and he slited the nose of the Suparnakha. She was crying loudly and goes to her elder brother Ravan. Nakkatayya Leela is performed by the people in Varanasi to replay this great episode in front of the people to rememorize the past event.

When and Where Nakkatayya is Celebrated

Nakkatayya festival is held at Chetganj in Varanasi in the mid October where parades and scenes are exhibited in the narrow streets of the Varanasi in order to represent the triumph of truth over evil. People, who participate in the parade or drama for particular scenes start their practice and preparations few weeks ago from the exact date of the play. People wait for Nakkatayya fair from the whole year to enjoy the fair. Fairs and festivals in Varanasi brings a lot of happiness in the life of people at Benares and nearby areas of the Benaras.

Govardhan Puja is also known as the Annakut puja (or Padwa, Bali Pratipada, and Gujarati New Year), means worshiping the pile of grains (symbolizing the Govardhan mountain), which is celebrated to remember the victory of Lord Krishna over the arrogant Indra. It is considered that, at this day Lord Krishna had defeated the Lord of heaven, known as Indra. Lord Krishna told the people of the Vrindavan dham to worship the Nature because only the Nature is nurturing you. He taught people that worship the Govardhan Mountain (which brings rain to the earth) and stop worshiping Indra. Such type of message of the Lord Krishna to the people was generally to teach the people to take care of the nature.

Govardhan Puja 2016 would be celebrated by the people at Monday, on 31st of October.

Govardhan Pooja 2015

Govardhan Puja 2015 was celebrated by the people at Thursday, on 12th of November.

Govardhan Pooja 2014

Govardhan Puja 2014 was celebrated by the people at Friday, on 24th of October.

Why Govardhan Pooja is Celebrated (Significance)

A great mountain of the food, called as the Govardhan Mountain, is adorned by the people at this occasion. It is considered that the Govardhan Mountain was lifted by the Lord Krishna in order to save the life of people from the arrogant Indra. Lord Indra was throwing thunder and a lot of rain over the earth and lord Krishna had saved the millions of life by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. From then, the Annakut pooja is performed with the immense passion and eagerness by the people in various states of India such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, Vrindavan and Bihar.

How Govardhan Pooja is Celebrated (Celebration)

In some Indian states, Govardhan Puja is celebrated by making the hillocks of cow-dung which represents the Mount Govardhan. Then people decorate the hillocks by flowers and worship them. Devotees make rounds around the hillocks and pray to Lord Govardhan to save their life as always. At some places, it is celebrated as a part of the Diwali such as the Padva or Bali Pratipada to commemorate the King Bali. And at some places, it is enjoyed as a Gujarati New Year because the Vikram Samvat begins at this day.

Varanasi, a most famous and oldest inhabited city of the world, originally known as the Kashi (Kashi word was derived from the ‘Kasha’ which means the brightness). Varanasi is renowned by many names, some of are Brahma Vardha, Anandakanana, Avimuktaka, Mahasmasana, Kasi, Sudarsana, Surandhana and Ramya. Currently Kashi is known by the name Varanasi which was derived from the two tributaries of the holy River Gange named Varuna and Assi. Kashi is situated at the banks of the Holy River Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of India.

Varanasi city is the center of a variety of cultural and religious activities of the Northern India including learning, literature and art from years. It is also known as the city of God as it is considered that it was manufactured by the Lord Shiva. It is the center for origination of the Hindustani classical music from Benares Gharana. It is the birth place and work place for many Indian philosophers, poets, writers, musicians and other great personalities. It is the place where Gautama Buddha has given his first sermon at the holy place named Sarnath.

Ancient Varanasi

Location of the Kashi

It is located in the North India in the middle valley of Gange, in the east part of the UP state and around 320 kilometres southeast to the Lucknow. It is situated about 797 km towards southeast of the New Delhi, 121 km towards east of Allahabad and 63 km towards south of Jaunpur. It is considered that people make a panch koshi parikrama between the Varuna and Assi ghat (a five mile, 8.3 km distance) which ended at the Sakshi Vinayak Temple.

According to the Hinduism and Jainism, Kashi is the most holy city of the seven sacred cities. It is believed by the Hindus that one who dies in the Varanasi will get salvation from the cycle of birth and death and finally intermingled in to the Lord Shiva.

It has become the most famous place for tourism in India because of its culture, tradition, sightseeings, attractive places, ghats, fairs, festivals and temples. Many of its old temples have been destroyed decades ago in the 12^th century in the time of the Muslim King Mohammad Ghauri. The current temples and other religious places in Kashi are of 18^th century.

King of Kashi

The King of Kashi, Kashi Naresh, become the chief guest and organizer of all the cultural as well as religious celebrations of the Varanasi city. The culture of Varanasi is very old and religious, which is intimately connected with the Gange River.

From the eighteenth century, Varanasi became an independent Kingdom of Kashi. Kashi Naresh’s generations still lives in the fort of the Ramanagar. It is situated at the east of the Varanasi at the right bank of the River Ganges. This Fort was built by the Kashi Naresh “Raja Balwant Singh” in the eighteenth century.

The Ramnagar fort and its museum tell the true history of the kings of Benares. The king of Ramnagar was the chief cultural patron and known as the essential part of all religious celebrations of Hindus.

The modern Varanasi was built at the time of Rajput and Maratha kings. The kings of Varanasi were continued to be important through much of the British rule including the maharaja of Benares, or Kashi Naresh until independence of India and during the reign of the Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. Anant Narayan Singh, the son of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh, became the next king of the Benares after his father death.

It is the most cultural and spiritual capital of the India which is renowned for having the largest residential University of Asia Benares Hindu University. It is the holy city where the most famous Hindu Epic Ramcharitmanas was written by the Goswami Tulsidas. People often say the Varanasi by the name city of temples, the holy city of India, the religious capital of India, city of lights, city of classical music, city of learning and oldest living city on the earth as well.

The Etymology of Varanasi

The origin of the name of Varanasi is behind the names of two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi. The old speculation about its origin is that the river Varuna itself was known as Varanasi. With the time passes, the Varanasi was known as Avimuktaka, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Anandakanana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana, Ramya, and Kasi.

According to the Rigveda, Varanasi was referred as Kasi or Kashi. The Varanasi is known as the centre of learning, literature, art as well as culture. The glory of the city has been described in the Kasikhand in 15,000 verses in the Skanda Purana.

The God Shiva says, in the ancient, Varanasi city was founded by the Hindu deity the Lord Shiva which makes it one of the most important and old pilgrimage destinations in the India. There was a general belief that the Varanasi stands on the “The Trishool” (also known as Trident), the weapon of the Lord Shiva. The name of the city is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures such as the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.

Varanasi is around 3000 years old city in the world. It is the most famous city for its muslin, silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and various sculptures. It is also known as the center of most religious and artistic activities. Some of the historical figures of the 18^th century of Varanasi are Parshva, some of the earliest and 23rd Jain Tirthankara who lived in the Varanasi. Earliest (at the time of Gautama Buddha), Varanasi was the capital of Kashi Kingdom. Varanasi city is famous for its religious importance from the 8th century when Adi Shankara was started worshiped as a Lord Shiva.

Varanasi was ruled by the Muslim ruler Qutb-ud-din Aibak who had destroyed thousands of the temples and religious monuments in the year 1194. Thousands years later, after the Afghan invasion, some new temples were established in the 13^th century. Some of the other old temples were also destroyed by the rulers in   the year 1496. Even after facing such difficulties, Varanasi has maintained its honor as a cultural center of   the religion and education. Varanasi has been lead by the most popular personalities such as the Kabir Das, Ravidas who were the superior saints and poets of the Bhakti of the 15^th Century. Guru Nanak Dev (founder of the Sikhism) had visited the Varanasi at the religious festival, Shivratri in the year 1507.

Cultural importance of the Varanasi was improved greater around 16^th century during the time of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Some new temples of the Lord Shiva and Vishnu were built by the Akbar. One of the temples of the Goddess Annapurna was made by the king of Poona. In the 18^th century, tourism in the city has started by the people.

Varanasi is told (by the Mark Twain, a famous Indophile) as the older than history, older than tradition and legend. A great legend, Annie Besant, had worked in the Varanasi and promoted the theosophy as well as established the Central Hindu College which was later developed as the big university named Benaras Hindu University in 1916.

BLW is one of the best places in Varanasi to see. It is a famous place all over India for the production of Diesel and Electric Engines. It has become one of the biggest centers in India for making the parts of the rail engine that is distributed to all over India. It was further known as DLW (Diesel Locomotive Works) but in the year 2020, the name was changed to BLW (Banaras Locomotive Works).

Location

It is located near the Manduadih Railway station around 3.3 km through the Manduadih road and around 7.2 km from the railway station Cantt Varanasi. It is situated around 5.6 km from the Banaras Hindu University through the BHU road.

Address of BLW Varanasi

Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) Head Office, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

BLW Pin Code: 221004

Phone Number: 0542-2270100

Website: http://blw.indianrailways.gov.in/

New Name of DLW

On the 28^th of October 2020, the name of Diesel locomotive works (DLW) was changed to Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW).

Attractions of BLW

BLW Main Gate

It is the main entry gate of the BLW, looks very attractive and its measurements are around 30 feet in height and 20 feet in width. On the side of the gate, there are beautiful pictures of the engine pasted on the walls, making the gate look beautiful and historical. Heavy vehicles cannot enter the campus as they are not allowed. Only small vehicles can enter it as it is made for the BLW premises purpose only. Many people from the nearby areas such as Manduadih, Shivapurwa, and Panchpedwa are used to jogging in the morning daily to get healthy air as the BLW campus has a very calm, peaceful, and greenish environment.

BLW Office

It is the BLW office which is very neat, clean, and of standard quality. The front part of the office is decorated by the real rail engines which denote its property. There is a minibus that stands also in front of the office and behind the rail engine for the convenience of the office employees. A National flag of India on the floor of the office indicates respect towards India and pride to be involved in such work.

In the office, paperwork is done and customers from various nations visit to buy our engine. We successfully have happy clients from Bangladesh, Shri Lanka, etc. nations.

BLW hold the certifications like ISO 9001 in 22008, ISO 14001 in 2004, OHS 18001 in 2007, and ISO 50001 in 20011. It has also won many awards of excellence that has been exhibited in the office.

The office environment is also very beautiful with plants inside the office premised and you can also see small artificial waterfalls inside the office that enhances the beauty of the office and gives a world-class experience.

Loco Shed

Apart from the main office, there is also a Loco shed where the manufacturing work takes place. It is spread in a very large area with different sections. One section works on the wheel whereas the other works on the engine to be fitted inside and all together resembles in another place and after assembling all the parts there is a small gate near the west gate of BLW where you can see the trail of these engines.

It is really a matter of honor to have such a big production unit in our country. BLW also holds the honor of producing the largest amount of electric engines in the year 2020 when the entire nation was under lockdown.

There were 310 locomotives produced including 272 electric locos and 4conversion locos. In the month of July, there were 31 locomotives produced which is a record in itself. 

BLW Colony

Apart from the BLW office and loco Shed, there is a beautiful colony for the employees working there. It spread in near about 400 hectares, with all kind of facilities like School, collage, Playground, Movie Theater, Club, etc. There are more than 4000 people living in this colony.

The colony is very neat and clean and also very green at the same time. BLW holds the title of second greenest place in Varanasi with the highest number of trees. The colony is very pleasant and people from the nearby areas visit this place early in the morning to have some gossip with nature and enjoy their morning walk.

The beauty of the colony increases with the clean environment and beautiful decoration all around. Tou can find the first engine ‘Kundan’ showcased beautifully in the middle of the colony.

The colony has also won many awards for the underground drainage system and clean environment. And there are four gates in all four directions of the colony that makes the excess easy. Although there are four gates there is a CCTV camera available everywhere for safety purposes.

Surya Sarovar

There is a beautiful pond in the heart of the colony; it is a well-designed pond with beautiful stairs and water cleaning techniques. It looks extremely beautiful and people visit this place in the evening to enjoy their sunset. There is a very big artificial waterfall in the middle of the pond that is about 50 ft. in height. Apart from the pond, there is also space nearby to enjoy your evening walk.

People celebrate their festivals like Chhath puja, Jutiya in this pond and they don’t have to visit the river Ganga in so much rush. It really increases the beauty of the colony.

Park

• The colony is so big and well designed that there is a park in front of every colony, apart from these parks there are also some common parks naming Baal Udyaan. It is very big and beautifully decorated with different kinds of plants and playing instruments.
• Ravindra Nath Tagore Park is another park fully covered with Eucalyptus trees. It is specially designed for the morning walk and people visit this place and enjoy nature. Really it is an amazing park to walk in.

Cinema Hall

There is a movie theater for people living in the colony where they can easily enjoy new releases at very low rates. The cost of a ticket is just rupees 25 for the balcony and 15 for the normal seat. It is really very cheap and you can enjoy any new movie easily there. But it is only available for the employees and their family members.

Swimming Pool

There is a big swimming pool in the colony where you can enjoy swimming and can also take swimming classes. Even outsiders can also learn swimming by paying some extra money. Students join swimming classes in the summer season and enjoy their vacation.

PlayGround

Apart from the playground in each colony, there are two more big grounds where many state swimming Pool

There is a big swimming pool in the colony where you can enjoy swimming and can also take swimming classes. Even outsiders can also learn swimming by paying some extra money. Students join swimming classes in the summer season and enjoy their vacation.

Gym

There is a separate Gym for girls and boys in the colony where anyone can get the membership and avail of the facilities available there. BLW focuses on the entire development of their workers and has provided all kinds of facilities that are really remarkable. 

Golf Club

There is a beautiful and very big Golf ground spread in the east part of the colony. It is attached to the outer boundary and is very neat and clean at the same time. The colony people enjoy playing golf on this ground and learn the tricks and techniques of this game.

Schools and Colleges

• There are many schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 and Kendriya Vidyalaya Kanchanpur CBSE board, Inter collage CBSE board, St. Jones ICSE board for children.
• Apart from school for normal children, there is also a school naming ‘Chetana’ for physically and mentally disabled children.
• There is a women’s college naming Rajkiya Mahila Inter College affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Peeth in the colony.

Market

• People living in the colony never need to visit outside the colony to buy their groceries as well as vegetables. There are three markets in the colony starting from the bigger one named as ‘Jalali Patti or Gumti market’ where you can get all A to Z things of your need and also fresh vegetables.
• Then there is another market naming Central Market where you can buy some day to day groceries and some small resultants, fast food corners and some showrooms.
• The third and smallest market is west market where you can also get some day to day items and there are only 20 to 25 shops in this market.

Basket Ball Court

There are two world-class basketball courts in the colony, where colony people, as well as players from outside, also practice. Many matches are also organized on this court and you can also learn and take basketball class here easily.

Marriage Halls

There are 4 marriage halls in the colony in different corners where colony members can easily organize any function easily. Nowadays when private lawn charges too much it is a boon for the colony people to have such an affordable lawn.

Clubs

There are two clubs in the colony, one for gazette officers whereas the other for normal people, where people can organize small get to gather or any function easily. Every Saturday some cultural events are organized in these clubs for the entertainment of people.

Water Recycle Centre

BLW has much-systemized water drainage and refinery system in which the colony itself recycles the water and supplies. It is really a very big achievement for the colony to have such a big refinery system that prevents any kind of water shortage and also uses the wastewater for watering trees and keeping the colony green.

Railway Station

How can we forget about a railway station when we are talking about the Indian Railways production unit. Yes, there is also a railway station in the colony naming ‘Bhulanpur’, it is a very small station where most of the trains stop just because of the importance of this place.

Extra Circular Activities

The colony contains all for the overall development of a family, there is something for all age groups here. There are Dance Classes, Music Classes, Sewing Classes, Drama Classes, Zumba Classes, etc available in the entertainment center near the movie theater. You can take part in any of these classes of your interest and enjoy the facilities. Even outsiders are also allowed to learn these things with some extra fees.

Hospital

There are two hospitals in the colony owned by the government of India. One is small and the other is big. There is all kind of facilities like ventilators, ECG machine, blood test center, operation theater, ENT specialist, Gynecologist, etc available here. The colony people also get medicines for free in these hospitals. These hospitals are specially designed for the welfare of the workers and their family members.

BLW Stadium:

BLW stadium, also known as the Dereka stadium, is the big stadium made for sports purposes for the employees as well as students of the St. John’s School B.L.W. The stadium is spread in a big area. The surroundings of the stadium are very clean and have a calm environment with a greenery effect. All the big events related to sports and any other celebrations take place in the BLW stadium. A huge number of audients can sit to see the activities in the Dereka stadium. The stadium has a big gate, around 18 feet in height and 15 feet in width. A big Pipal tree is welcoming everybody who enters the stadium.

Other Images

The name of the rail engine is the Mahalakshmi because of its greatness and heavyweight.

It is also a rail engine in front of the BLW main office. Plants, trees big garden increases the real beauty of the BLW office. A small board in the garden has written its history means when was the BLW established and started work in this field.

There is a big Varandah divided into many small compartments on the side of the main office for the vehicle parking purposes of the office employees.

Small Entry Gate:

What a nice pic of the DLW premises caught by our photographer. The rail engine which is shown protruding out of the wall is the great scene denoting the special services given by the DLW.

This is another small entry gate only for the employees at BLW. How greenery effect has this gate. The sidewalls of the gate show the protruding out rail engines from the walls on the railway platform tack.

The rail engine has its own unique number as well which is WDG4 12022. The walls have also written the small history like establishment date and important Technological Breakthrough.

A big tree behind the wall, which provides shadow to the rail engine, increases the attractiveness of the scene to a great extent.

This is a special type of rail engine in the premises of the BLW which indicates the specialty of the BLW in the special area.

This is the heaviest rail engine made by the BLW which has its own number. A special type of platform is made for keeping this heavy engine in the BLW premises.

The name of this heavy rail engine is Bhartiya and has the number 6073 YDM which is kept on the premises of the BLW. Having the rail engine prototypes in the BLW premises denotes its importance of work in the particular field.

BLW has its own cricket ground, playground, Bal Udyan BLW campus, BLW Golf Course, BLW swimming pool, BLW officer’s club, BLW cinema hall, BLW residence, BLW power station, BLW canteen, BLW officer’s rest house, and St. John’s School BLW.

Map of DLW Campus

Map of DLW Cinema Hall

Map of DLW Golf Course

Map of DLW Hospital

Map of DLW Swimming Pool

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What is BLW famous for?

Ans. It is famous for making electric and diesel engines.

Q 2. When was the name of DLW changed to BLW?

Ans. On 28th October 2020, this historic decision was announced.

Q 3. When was DLW/BLW established?

Ans. It was established in August 1961 in Varanasi.

Q 4. Who made the first diesel train?

Ans. Rudolf Diesel made the first diesel train in the year 1893.

The holy city of Varanasi is a famous destination when it comes to tourism. With its rich heritage, cultural diversity and breathtaking natural beauty, it is truly a sight to behold. Many people from all over the world come to Varanasi for spiritual experiences or just to see this beautiful place. One can witness the vibrant art all around them. The culture of Varanasi is truly unique and makes for a remarkable experience. Be it the ghats, the temples, the art or the culture, Varanasi proves to be an ideal tourist destination with an abundance of natural beauty, rich heritage and culture. If Varanasi is on your bucket list and you want to make the most of your visit, then don’t miss out on these beautiful places.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most significant temples in the city of Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as the Golden Temple due to its splendid appearance and its association with Lord Shiva. The temple is considered one of the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India as it is considered to be one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. The temple has been referred to in ancient Hindu literature, including the Rigveda and the Skanda Purana. The pilgrims who visit the temple are said to be blessed with good fortune, health, and peace of mind. The architecture of the temple is breathtaking. The intricately carved walls and stone decorations are an exquisite sight to behold. There are four huge gate to enter the main temple complex. The temple has three domes covered with gold plating. Inside the temple complex, there are smaller temples, dedicated to various Gods and Goddess. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is truly a marvel of beauty and grandeur. Undoubtedly, to visit the temple and witness its magnificence is a once in lifetime experience for any devotee of Lord Shiva. Know More >>

Dashashwamedh Ghat

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is a sacred site on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is within walking distance of the Vishwanath Temple. This location is most well-known for the Ganga arti, which is a ceremony that takes place every day in evening. Due to the tremendous religious significance of the Dashashwamedh Ghat, a large number of tourists make the journey to see it every year. You can discover a variety of ceremonies and other activities taking place in this ghat. There are a number of spiritual stories connected to this ghat. The majority of religious celebrations are planned and carried out in this location. This ghat offers fantastic possibilities for sight-seeing and adventure-seeking. From this holy ghat, one can witness the mesmerizing sunsets over the holy River Ganga. Devotees from far away can come to India to seek spiritual solace through the divine beauty of this ghat. Know More >>

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a city of culture, heritage and spirituality. This old city is closely linked to the Ganga River, which is an important part of its life and culture. The beauty of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is nothing short of spiritual and majestic. The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ritual which involves singing of hymns and offering flowers, diyas (oil lamps) and prasad (food items) to the river as an act of gratitude. The Aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most famous ghats leading to the river Ganga. The Aarti is not just a religious ceremony, but also an art of performance. On the side of the river Ganga, hundreds of diyas are lit. Everyone who comes to see the aarti is touched by it, from the young people who are attracted there by the peaceful environment to the old people who come with their families. The enchanting beauty of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi makes it a one-of-a-kind experience, which remains to be one of the most beautiful sights of the city. Know More >>

Sarnath

Sarnath is located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. It is considered to be an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It is also popular among tourists for its rich historical heritage which has a great many temples and monuments that are centuries old.The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the place makes it an attractive tourist destination. The deer park has many species of birds and animals. The green park surrounded by monuments is a great source of peace and inspiration. Alongside the deer park, the city has several attractions. The most famous monument in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, erected to commemorate the first sermon of the Buddha.  Along with the Stupa, there are many other Buddhist monuments such as the Ashoka Pillar, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kutir Vihara. Each of these monuments has its own story to tell and they all add to the charm and beauty of the place. Apart from the ancient structures, it serves as a reminder of how the principles of Buddhism can bring us all peace of mind, humbleness, and oneness with ourselves and the universe. Know More >>

Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat

Varanasi has a lot to offer to the tourists, especially in terms of sightseeing. This is not just about the religious offerings, but about its surroundings as well. Subah-e-Banaras is truly a marvel to behold. It takes place at the Assi Ghat of Varanasi. The sights, sounds, and smells around during the Subah-e-Banaras, add to its charm and beauty. The mornings in Varanasi often start with a magical calmness, beautiful boating tours in the Ganges, and the sweet chorus of aartis as the sun begins to rise. The beautiful sunrise view from the ghats makes Subah-e-Banaras a popular tourist spot. We can hear chants and bells sound across the river. Besides aarti, there is a time for Kirtans, which are religious songs played on a variety of instruments like the harmonium and tabla. After that, yoga and meditation is done. Subah-e-Banaras, Varanasi is simply a mesmerizing experience that should not be missed by anyone who has a deep appreciation for the spiritual beauty of India. Know More >>

Birla Temple BHU (Kashi Vishwanath Temple)

Varanasi is home to Birla Temple, which is situated within the campus of BHU. It is called the Birla Temple because the Birla Group of Industries constructed it. The temple’s peace and calmness help you forget about the things that bother you in everyday life. The good energy in the air makes you want to give yourself over to the Almighty. This temple is mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva, but it also has nine other temples in its premises with one huge nandi. The building has the tallest tower in the world which is about 253 feet. The temple is open to everyone, no matter what faith, caste, or creed they belong to. Shri Vishwanath Mandir, New Vishwanath temple, and Vishwanath temple are all names for the Birla temple in Varanasi. It is one of the most well-known temples because of how beautiful and peaceful it is. If you are in Varanasi, it is always a good idea to go to Birla Temple and witness its magnificent beauty. Know More >>

Namo Ghat

The Namo Ghat in Varanasi is a beautiful place visited by millions of travelers and tourists. It is located on the holy banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. The renovated “Khidkiyaghat,” now called as “Namoghat” has three large sculptures of hands folded in “namaste”. This is why the name changed to Namo Ghat. Tourists can use state-of-the-art services at thisghat. There is a restaurant, a stage, and paintings on the walls that show the history of Kashi. This ghat is a wonderful example of the ancient and modern view of Kashi. It has a food court, toilets, drinking water, parking for cars and bikes, and many shops. There are chairs and gazebos that are built in the style of traditional Kashi architecture. There were different things for kids to do, like a trampoline, and rides on trains etc. Going to the Namo Ghat is a spiritual trip through the heart and soul of Varanasi that you will never forget. Know More >>

Assi Ghat

Assighat is one of the largest and most well-known ghats in Varanasi. It is a place where people can visit to feel spiritual, watch the sight, and learn about the culture of the city. Assi ghat is the point where the sacred rivers Ganges and Assi unite. There is a small but easily visible ‘akhara’ at this ghat. The Assi Ghat is also one of the five special ghats where pilgrims are meant to take a bath in order as part of the Panch-tirthi Yatra ritual. Devotees say that taking a dip at Assi Ghat is the same as taking dip at thousands of other holy waters. This Ghat is also famous for the morning aarti and rituals performed known as “Subah-e-Banaras”. Every day, hundreds of devotees flock here to say their prayers and follow the traditional rituals of the Hindu faith. Spending some time at the ghat will have a calming effect on both your mind and body. Know More >>

Ramnagar Fort

Located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Ramnagar Fort is a beautiful and fascinating monument. Built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, it was originally used as a center of power and control over the kingdom. Ramnagar Fort has something for every kind of traveller. The beauty of Ramnagar Fort is its majestic look which can be seen both during the day and evening. Not only is the fort beautiful to look at, it is also a historical marvel. It houses a wide variety of artifacts such as weapons, armors and costumes. Ramnagar Fort houses several attractive paintings. The fort is also known to have a large collection of vintage cars, palkis, etc which is a sight to behold. The view of Ganga River from this fort will leave you mesmerized. People from all over the world are drawn to the dazzling beauty of Ramnagar Fort. The extraordinary elegance of this structure makes it a must-see for any traveler to the ancient city of Varanasi. Know More >>

Sant Ravidas Mandir (Guru Ravidas Janam sthan Mandir)

Varanasi is notable for being the birthplace of two of the most important saints in the Bhakti Movement: Sat guru Kabir and Sat guru Ravidas. The Ravidas temple in Varanasi is considered by devotees of the Ravidasi religion to be the holiest site in the world and the center of their religious hierarchy. The Saint Ravidas Mandir in Dharma Nagri in the city of Kashi is referred to as the city’s second Golden Temple. This magnificent temple is often referred to as the Golden Temple because this temple has more than 200 kilograms of gold. T he birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is celebrated at this temple every year, and draws in millions of devotees from all across the world. At least once in their lifetime, devotees of Guru Ravidas from all over the world hope to be able to pay their respects at the Shri Guru Ravidas Janam sthan Mandir at Varanasi. Know More >>

Tibetan Temple

This ancient structure is part of a Buddhist pilgrimage destination that includes monasteries, shrines, and temples and was built to keep the Buddha’s remains. Lord Buddha taught his followers the four truths of life in the Tibetan Temple. The temple is built in the style of traditional Tibetan architecture and has some interesting features. Two intricately carved lions stand guard at the temple’s door and add beauty to it. When you walk into the temple, you’ll see a big open area with a light pink stupa. One of the most important things about the temple is that it has Buddhist paintings on the walls and ceilings. A figure of Shakyamuni Buddha or Buddha in a resting position is inside the temple. Outside the building, you can see prayer wheels which when turned in a clockwise direction, let out pieces of paper with prayers written on them. Overall, the Tibetan Temple is a must-see in Sarnath for people of all ages and backgrounds because it has a real sense of faith, which is important in today’s busy world. Know More >>

Kabir Math

Kabir Das’s birthplace was the city of Varanasi. He was a mystic artist and saint. In his honor, a shrine called Kabir Math was built. In Varanasi, Kabir Math is a place where people can see many things that belonged to Kabir. He grew up in this place, which now has different collections about Kabir. There are many of his books in a big library. There’s a small park with a lot of statues in it. Temples such as Samadhi Mandir and Chabutara Beejak can be found inside Kabir Math. It has paintings that show what happened in the saint’s life. The place is peaceful and makes you want to learn more about Kabir’s lessons. Every year, a lot of people from all over the world come to the Kabir Math to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Kabir’s birth. It is said that all Kabirpanthis visit Kabir Math at least once in their lives. If anyone wants to know more about Sant Kabir, it is the best place to visit in Varanasi. Know More >>

Bharat Mata Mandir

Varanasi is considered incredible not only because of its temples but there are certain other things in this city that separates it from other famous places. One of this is the beautiful Bharat Mata Mandir. It is the only temple in the world that is dedicated to the honor and respect of Mother India. Inside the Bharat Mata Mandir, there is no statue. The mountains, plains, and seas are drawn to scale on the map. The temple’s whole construction is well-held up by five different pillars. These poles represent Earth, Air, Fire, Sky, and Water, which are the five things that make up nature. The temple is located on the grounds of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta built the temple before India got its independence. Mahatma Gandhi was the one who inaugurated this beautiful temple in Varanasi. This temple is one of a kind and a sign of pride. Overall, this famous temple is one of the best places to go in Varanasi if you want to explore something different and interesting in this city. Know More >>

Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country who come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the most visited temples in the city. It was built in the 17th century by a great saint, Sant Tulsi das. Known for its sacred aura, this temple is believed to possess divine powers which help in the removal of all kinds of hurdles and adversities in life. One of the major attractions of this temple is the presence of a huge idol of Lord Hanuman facing his ideal Lord Rama and a huge Banyan tree. Numerous religious ceremonies and rituals are conducted here from time to time. The beauty of the temple is definitely worth witnessing. The area around the temple marketplace is filled with numerous vendors selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Whether you are looking for spiritual peace or simply trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you will surely find solace at the sacred Sankat Mochan Temple. Know More >>

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an observatory on top of the Man Mahal Palace near Dashashwamedh ghat  in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a well-known tourist spot in Varanasi. In 1737, Maharaja Jai Singh II commissioned the construction of Jantar Mantar in the city of Varanasi. He was very interested in science and technology, and astronomy was his favorite subject. Jantar Mantar was built to measure the local time, altitude, and the tilt of the Sun, stars, and planets, as well as to figure out when eclipses would happen. It was a replica of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, and Mathura. The spot is known for its many structures of different sizes and shapes. Many astronomers, scholars, engineers, builders, and scientists, as well as travelers, are interested in these buildings because of how well they combine geometric shapes. This amazing place shows how far science and magic have come in India. Even now, its calculations are almost the same as those made by current technology. Know More >>

Bharat Kala Bhawan

The Bharat Kala Bhawan is a university museum in Varanasi, India. It is part of the Banaras Hindu University. It is one of the most popular things to see in Varanasi. Bharat Kala Bhavan was founded on January 1, 1920, along with the establishment of Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad. The current museum was established in 1950 by Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, who was Prime Minister of India at the time. The Bharat Kala Bhawan features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, images, and many more. In the museum, you can also see pottery, metalwork, items made from ivory, jewelry, terracotta beads, and a rare collection of tiny paintings from Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Pahari. The Bharat Kala Bhawan has 104,376 items in its collection. The most interesting part of all the different things is a vault where things made of gold, platinum, and jade are put on show. If you’re in Varanasi, you must visit this incredible history center. Know More >>

Tulsi Manas Mandir

The Tulsi Manas Mandir is one of the most well-known temples in the city of Varanasi. The entire construction of the temple is composed of white marble, and the temple’s architecture is absolutely stunning. On one of the walls of the temple is a stunning depiction of several different episodes from the Ramayana, which is a Hindu epic. This wall is one of the temple’s great attractions. As the ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was initially composed at this location by the Hindu poet-saint, Goswami Tulsidas, this temple carries with it a significant amount of historical and cultural significance in Hinduism. There are statues of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman, and his wife Sita inside the temple. The Ramayana is retold through a series of scenarios, some of which are animated and feature statues clothed in attractive attire. There is a beautiful Tulsi Garden that is characterized by an atmosphere that is quite serene and spotless. Visiting Varanasi will be worthless if one skips the incredible Tulsi Manas Mandir. Know More >>

Durga Mandir or Durga Kund

Rani Bhabani of Natore built Durga Mandir in the early 1800s.In Hinduism, this shrine is very important because it is dedicated to Maa Durga. It is said that the temple’s main statue is not built by anyone. Instead, it is thought to have appeared on its own. The temple has a beautiful design that draws the attention of people. It was built in the North Indian Nagara style and has a shikhara with many levels. Ochre is used to color the whole building red. The goddess’s vehicle, a beautiful bronze lion, stands at the door to the main shrine. On the right side of the Durga Temple, there is a pond called Durga Kund. It is part of the temple complex. Pilgrims can go to the temple any time of day, from morning until evening. The atmosphere in the temple is peaceful and makes people feel spiritual. It is one of the most visited places of worship in Banaras and a must-see for tourists in Varanasi. Know More >>

Other Popular Places to visit in Varanasi

nepali templekedarghatbhushivalaghatiskconchunar fortLakhaniya Dari WaterfallRajdari WaterfallDevdari Waterfallmanikarnikaghatharishchnadragharst mary churchmanmandir observatoryscindiaghatBatukBhairavMandir

SitaSamahitSthal

Station Code: BSB
Zone: Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway
Division: Lucknow (NR)
Lines:Varanasi-Lucknow lineVaranasi-Kanpur lineVaranasi-Allahabad lineVaranasi–Rae Bareli–Lucknow line

Platforms: 9

Tracks: 13
Parking: Available
Baggage check: Not Available

Varanasi, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. Every day, thousands of people come here to pray.This ancient city is not only a major pilgrimage site for Hindus but also a popular tourist destination. One of the most important and well-known landmarks of Varanasi is its primary railway station, Varanasi Junction. The railway station not only serves as a major transportation hub but also showcases the essence of the city. Apart from connecting the city to different parts of the country, the Varanasi Junction railway station also serves as a gateway to the mesmerizing world of Varanasi, captivating travelers with its charm and heritage.As travelers arrive or depart from this enchanting station, they are greeted by the vibrant energy and chaos that symbolize the lively spirit of Varanasi.

The Varanasi Junction Railway Station is one of the busiest stations in the city. It is a major hub for moving both people and goods, and it connects Varanasi to the rest of India. The station code for the Varanasi Junction is BSB. The station is part of both the North Eastern Railway Zone’s Varanasi division and the North Western Railway Zone’s Lucknow division.Nearly 300 trains pass through Varanasi Junction every day. Also about 45 trains start or end their journeys at this stop. The station also has the latest Route Interlock System as well.Indian Railways’ best trains, like the Vande Bharat Express and the Mahamana Express, operate as well from Varanasi Junction.Varanasi railway station is the “highest revenue-generating station in the country” because of high number of people coming to the city every day.

Varanasi Junction Railway Station is not just a transportation hub but also a gateway to the spiritual heart of India. As a major traffic hub, it has a lot of people from all over the country coming through.It is a culture center that shows what the city is all about.The Junction enjoys excellent connectivity with various parts of the country. This mix of cultures provides a unique atmosphere at the station, where you can see people dressed in different ways and speaking many different languages. Varanasi Junction Railway Station plays a crucial role in the city’s religious tourism. The station is well-connected by railways and roadways, ensuring easy access to nearby attractions and neighboring states.Its convenient accessibility allows millions of devotees to visit Varanasi each year, seeking spiritual solace and performing ancient rituals along the Ganges.

In December 1862, the first train line to Banaras started running from Howrah station. The 541-mile line went through Bandel, Burdwan, Rajmahal, and Patna. George Turnbull, who was the Chief Engineer of the East Indian Railway Company, chose the route and built the line. First, in 1872, a railway was built specifically for Lucknow, and then, in 1887, Malviya Bridge was built to link Lucknow and Mughalsarai (present day DeenDayalUpadhyay station). The bridge also linked the East India Company’s Mughalsarai infrastructure with those of the Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway.Since its founding during the British colonial era, the Varanasi Junction Railway Station has served as an important transit hub for the city of Varanasi. Today, visitors from all across India arrive at the city’s train station, making it one of the busiest in the country.

Varanasi Junction Railway Station offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for the convenience of passengers.The station has multiple waiting rooms, clean washrooms, and luggage storage facilities. It provides wheelchair assistance and ample parking space for commuters. There are many food stands and shops inside the station for visitors to choose from.The station also has a lot of other amenities for people to use, such as ticket booths, luxury waiting rooms, etc. It also has 9 platforms for the different trains that stop there and a special platform for long-distance trains.Buses and taxis make it easy to get to other parts of the city and state from the stop. For those who would rather drive to the stop, there are also places to park.There are Wi-Fi, lifts and escalators for ease of disabled passengers. ATMs, PNR inquiry systems, an inquiry counter, cloakrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities is also available at the Varanasi railway station. Help in many languages is available at a special help desk for foreign tourists.

The architecture of Varanasi Junction Railway Station showcases a blend of different architectural styles, reflecting the historical influences on the city. The station’s sprawling layout and well-maintained platforms add to its grandeur.At the moment, there are 9 platforms, and 3 more are being built to lighten the load. The Varanasi Junction Railway Station has convenient connections to various major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, facilitating smooth travel for tourists.Due to the large number of travelers from all over the country, the railway administration plans to add public announcements in other languages, such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Marathi, and Telugu.

On a scale of cleanliness, the Varanasi Junction station was ranked 14th out of the 75 busiest A1 stations. In 2018, the station was on a list of 90 sites that were going to be turned into world-class hubs.The Varanasi Junction train station has solar panels on the roof that can produce up to 600 KW, and the staff is looking to add another 1000 KW. A big project costing Rs. 568.7 crore is being used to improve and change Varanasi junction.This railway junction also has a computerized reservation system that makes it easy for people to book tickets and checks the progress of their trains. In addition to providing transportation, the train station has a number of other services, such as ATMs, money exchange booth, and restrooms.The train station is also linked to local buses and auto-rickshaws, making it easy for travelers to get around the city.

Here are some of the important things about the Varanasi Junction Railway Station.

• There are 9 platforms in Varanasi junction.
• CCTV cams are installed on four of the gates.
• You can park your two-wheeler or four-wheeler for Rs. 20 for up to 12 hours.
• If you want to park your car for a whole day (24 hours), it will cost you Rs. 40.
• There are different spots for cars, bikes, and auto-rickshaws to park at the station.
• The station stays busy for 24×7.
• The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is about 22 km from the railway station.
• There are both express trains and passenger trains that stop at the station.
• The city center is only a few minutes away from the Varanasi Junction.
• There is an automated reservation system at the Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
• With ramps and elevators, the Varanasi Station is now available for disabled people.
• There are ATMs in the station, making it easy for visitors to get cash.
• At the Varanasi Railway Station, visitors can leave their bags while they explore the city. 

Name	Code	Distance
Varanasi Yard	BSBY	1 km
Varanasi City	BCY	3 km
Banaras Railway Station	BSBS	4 km
Kashi	KEI	5 km
Shivpur	SOP	6 km
Bhulanpur	BHLP	6 km
Lohta	LOT	6 km
Baba Bhagwan Ram Halt	BBRM	7 km
Vyasnagar	VYN	10 km
Sarnath	SRNT	10 km
Hardattpur	HDT	12 km
Birapatti	BRPT	12 km
Block Hut B	BHBV	15 km
Mughal Sarai Junction	MGS	16 km
Chaukhandi	CHH	16 km
New West Cabin	NEWC	16 km
Raja Talab	RTB	18 km
Mughal Sarai Marshalling Yard	MGMY	19 km
Babatpur	BTP	19 km
Kadipur	KDQ	20 km
Jeonathpur	JEP	21 km
Jeonathpur	VHK	21 km
Flyover Cabin Mughal Sarai	FOCM	22 km
Sewapuri	SWPR	22 km
Baherwa Halt	BRWH	23 km
Pindra Road	PDRD	24 km
Ganj Khawaja	GAQ	25 km
EOCM	EOCM	25 km
Ahraura Road	ARW	26 km
Nigatpur	NTU	26 km
Rajawari	RJI	27 km
Kuchman	KCA	27 km
Kapseti	KEH	28 km
Khalispur	KSF	28 km
Kachhwa Road	KWH	32 km
Trilochan Mahdo	TLMD	33 km
Chandauli Majhwar	CDMR	33 km
Sakaldiha	SLD	34 km
Aunrihar Junction	ARJ	35 km
Kailahat	KYT	35 km
Parsipur	PRF	36 km
Katka	KFK	39 km
Saiyedpur Bhitri	SYH	40 km
JalalGanj	JLL	40 km
Tulsi Ashram	TLAM	41 km
Saidraja	SYJ	42 km
Faridaha Halt	FRDH	43 km
Bhadohi	BOY	44 km
Mahpur	MHO	44 km
Chunar Junction	CAR	44 km
Sarkoni	SIQ	45 km
Dudhaunda	DDNA	46 km
Madhosingh	MBS	47 km
Taraon	TRN	48 km
Dheena	DHA	48 km
Karamnasa	KMS	50 km
Ahimanpur	AHM	51 km
Dagmagpur	DAP	52 km
Basuchak	BSCK	52 km
Zafarabad Junction	ZBD	52 km
Mondh	MOF	53 km
Sadat	SDT	54 km
Bahora Chandil	BHCL	55 km
Jaunpur Kutchary	JNUK	55 km
Kajgaon Terhwan	KJTW	56 km
Dobhi	DHE	56 km
Dhanaichha	DCX	56 km
Almaw	ALMW	57 km
NandGanj	NDJ	57 km
Jaunpur Junction	JNU	58 km
Jaunpur City	JOP	58 km
Zamania	ZNA	60 km
Hurmujpur Halt	HMPR	60 km
Pahara	PRE	60 km
Salkhapur	SAF	60 km
Suriawan	SAW	60 km
Durgauti	DGO	62 km
Saheri	SAHR	63 km
Mahgawan Halt	MGWN	64 km
Jakhanian	JKN	64 km
Shudnipur	SPPR	65 km
Kirakat	KCT	65 km
Saktesgarh	SKGH	65 km
Darauli	DRV	67 km
Jhingura	JHG	67 km
Sarai Jagdish	SJGH	67 km
Jangiganj	JGG	68 km
Bakhsha	BKSA	69 km
Ankuspur	AKS	69 km
Mariahu	MAY	70 km
Gangauli	GNGL	70 km
Sarai Kansrai	SQN	70 km
Mihrawan	MIH	70 km
Bhabua Road	BBU	71 km
Gyanpur Road	GYN	72 km
Dullahapur	DLR	72 km
Warigaon Newada	WRGN	74 km
Dildarnagar Junction	DLN	74 km
Ghazipur City	GCT	75 km

University in Varanasi: Find name & details of all universities in Varanasi

College in Varanasi, University in Varanasi / By Archana Singh

History It is the central University for Tibetan Studies located in the Sarnath, Varanasi. It was established in Varanasi India in the year 1967 as an autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Culture.

University in Varanasi / By Admin

MGKVP Varanasi It is a largest public university situated in Varanasi, UP, India. It is administered by state legislature of the government of UP. It has about 227 affiliate colleges over six districts with hundreds of thousands of rural and urban students. It offers students a professional and academic degree in arts, science, commerce, law, …

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth (mgkvp) Varanasi Read More »

University in Varanasi / By Admin

Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Sampurnanand Sanskrit University was established in the year 1791 in order to make the education process easy and affordable for the common public. The honorable Chancellor of the university is Hon. B.L. Joshi and the honorable Vice-Chancellor is Binda Prasad Misra. It is one of the best Asian institutions which has been …

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University in Varanasi / By Admin

Banaras Hindu University also referred as BHU. It is a public central university situated in Varanasi, established by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the year 1916. It is one of the best and largest universities in Asia having over 20,000 students. BHU UET 2015 | BHU PET 2015 | BHU SCS 2015

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• Fairs and Festivals
• Varanasi Rituals

About Chhath Festival Chhath is a Hindu festival celebrated each year by the people very eagerly. This is very antique…

The spiritual importance of Varanasi is not hidden with anyone. Steeped in history and culture, Varanasi is famous for its ghats, temples, and rituals along the holy Ganges River. People from far distances travel to Varanasi to fulfil their wishes connected with this divine city. Therefore to make the city easily accessible by all the visitors, transportation system plays a major role. One of the major transportation hubs in Varanasi is the Banaras Railway Station, which serves as an important gateway for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting the city. Banaras Railway Station is well-connected to several major cities across India and plays a crucial role in facilitating travel in and out of Varanasi. The station is known for its convenient facilities, cleanliness, and efficient operation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for travellers. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the significant religious and historical sites of Varanasi.

Station Code : BSBS (formerly MUV)
Location : Manduadih, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Owned and Operated by : Indian Railways, North Eastern Railways
Number of Platforms : 8
Parking : Available
Zone : North Eastern Railway zone
Division : Varanasi
Services : Computerized ticketing counters, Luggage checking system, Parking, Disabled access, Food plaza, Taxi stand, Public transportation

Banaras railway station, which used to be called Manduadih railway station and has the station code BSBS, is in the Banaras area of Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of Varanasi’s most important stations. The Banaras Railway Station is often ranked as one of the busiest rail terminals in all of Varanasi. It is an important transit hub for both passengers and products, connecting Varanasi with the rest of India and serving as a connection point for international travellers. The name of the station is written on the new sign boards in Hindi, English, Urdu, and Sanskrit. As a result of the significant traffic that passes through Varanasi Junction on a daily basis, the station has been upgraded to provide numerous convenient amenities. The Banaras Railway station is on the Prayagraj Varanasi Junction line and is about 3 km north-west of the Varanasi Junction stop. It is the last stop on the Varanasi Division/North Eastern Railway in the Varanasi area.

Between 1899 and 1913, the Bengal and North Western Railway built the Prayagraj–Mau–Gorakhpur main line as a metre-gauge line that was 1,000 mm wide. It was opened in 1906 as an MG (meter-gauge) railway stop. It is now the NSG-3 Class and Adarsh station. In 1993–1994, it was changed to a broad gauge of 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm).

On May 24, 1956, Dr. Sampurnanand, who was the second Chief Minister of UP, changed the name of Banaras Cant to Varanasi Junction. Manduadih Railway Station is now called Banaras Railway Station. The name “Banaras” is back on the Indian Railway map after almost 65 years.

The Banaras Railway Station in Varanasi has undergone extensive renovations recently. The design of the station incorporates elements that represent the religious beliefs of Kashi. There are a total of 18 trains that travel through the Banaras railway station each day. Indian Railways (IR) refers to the Banaras railway station as an airport-style railway station. The Banaras railway station is considered to be of world-class quality. It has ISO: 2015 certification for quality management, ISO: 14001 certification for environmental management, and ISO: 18001 certification for occupational health and safety management. The station is also contributing to the local economy by creating job opportunities for the residents.

Through an extensive bus and taxi network, the station is very well connected to the remainder of the city as well as the rest of the state. Those individuals who would rather drive to the station can make use of the parking facilities that are available.

When it comes to amenities and services, the Banaras Railway Station is at par with some airports in India. The station provides a broad variety of services and amenities for the comfort and convenience of its customers, such as ticket counters, waiting rooms, food kiosks, and restrooms. Additionally, it includes a separate platform for long-distance trains. In addition to regular train services, the Banaras Railway Station has several other facilities for passengers. These include an AC lounge, non-AC retiring rooms, and dormitories. The station premises are well-maintained and feature fountains and seating areas for passengers to relax. Inside, the station is equipped with modern stainless steel lounges and energy-efficient LED lights.

With its spacious and clean platforms, passengers can easily navigate through the station. There are also food plazas available for hungry travellers. VIP lounges provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for those looking for an extra level of service. The station also boasts escalators, green gardens, and a modern booking station for passengers’ convenience. They put special lights in the area to make it look amazing at night.

Manoj Sinha, who served as the minister of state for railways under the previous administration of the union government, took a particular interest in improving the railway station into a passenger-friendly facility. Following that, the station was totally renovated in the year 2016. It used to have three platforms but now has eight and a gorgeous construction. The makeover was projected to cost approx Rs 37 crore.

This railway station is expected to play a significant role in easing congestion at the main railway station, Varanasi Cantt. The plan is for many trains to originate from Banaras railway station in the future, which will help to reduce overcrowding at Varanasi Cantt railway station.