YFLO Delhi Retreat to Varanasi for the Festival of Dev Diwali November 20th – 22nd, 2010

YFLO Delhi took its first ever out-station retreat to the Holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges for the Festival of Dev Diwali from 20th to 22nd of November ’10. Varanasi also referred to as Banaras, is the oldest continuously inhabited living city in the world.

A city rich in history and culture, Vanarasi is considered one the most important pilgrimage spots for not only the Hindu’s, but the Jains and Buddhists also.Varanasi is known for its textile tradition of weaving the finest gold and silver bocades, its beautiful silver and enamel work, its chaat, unusual mitthai and of course, the famous Banarsi Paan !

Varanasi was the apt place for the YFLO retreat and the best time to visit Varanasi was during the festival of Dev Diwali. The famous Ghats on the banks of the Ganges, which are the background against which the unique festival of Dev Diwali is celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Poornima, 15 days after Diwali.
The delegation comprised 35 dynamic and vibrant YFLO members and they had a wonderful time that helped them network amongst themselves and also bond at personal level. The itinerary included Old City Walk through VishwanathGali, Darshan at KashiVishwanath Temple, Visit Brij Rama Palace Ghat, the grandest Ghat on the Ganges, Visit Sankat Mochan, famous Hanuman temple, Drive through Banaras Hindu University, a visit to Raja Ghat and sail on Bajra (large boats) to see Dev Diwali Celebrations, Visit to Amrit Rao Peshwa Haveli Ghat and Visit to Sarnath Temple.