Poem on the Wall – This photo was taken at Shree Niranjani Ghat in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

During the Varanasi tour, I stayed at my friend’s house and had an opportunity to have Singhara Achar (water chestnut pickle) at dinner time, which was a new knowledge as well as a new taste.

What I liked the most about the pickle was the deep scent of mustard oil (from the village). Delicious it was.

During dinner, we had Aaloo Gobhi Matar rasedar, Dahi Bada from Birju Idli Wala (Vishwanath Gali), Fulka Roti with homemade ghee, and yes, Singhara Achar.

Thank you, friend, and thanks to my friend’s mother for preparing mouth-watering Singhara Achar.

Traditional markets I always find it interesting to visit.

Reason: The atmosphere.

Almost opposite Kashi Chat Bhandar, Godowlia Chowk is Doodh Mandi. At this market, one can purchase one liter of milk up to as much as one wants. Even in the middle of the night, one can buy milk because this Doodh Mandi is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

And the milk rate per liter?

Rs. 35 and Rs. 32 per liter if one is a regular customer.

Kashi Chat Bhandar at Godowlia Chowk is the first shop in Varanasi for us to have Chura Matar. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, I was at my friend’s house. Landlady visited and prepared Chura Matar for us. And later in the afternoon hours, Khichdi with ghee and Baingan ka Bharta. Chura Matar, Khichdi, and til (sesame) food items are specially prepared on Makar Sankranti. Delicious it was. Thank you – said I.

Roasting Baingan for Bharta on the Occasion of Makar Sankranti – This photo was taken at a friend’s house in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti landlady served us delicious Khichdi with Ghee and Baingan ka Bharta cooked traditionally over cow dung making it very tasty. Thank you – said I.

Free Tea and Biscuits for Pilgrims on the Occasion of Makar Sankranti – This photo was taken at Dashashwamedh Ghat Road in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

Man Carrying Gada – This photo was taken at Dashashwamedh Ghat Road in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

This photo was taken at Mehta Ghat in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). Upon query about the statue, I was told by a local – Kartik Poornima is a festival and worship day of Bhishma Pitamah by devotees at various Ghats of Varanasi. During the festival day, statues are made by devotees.

Thanks, said I, for enhancing my knowledge.