Varanasi, Nov. 11 -- The identity of Kashi is not limited to Ganga, its ghats and Baba Vishwanath. The city's narrow lanes have, for centuries, been home to diverse cultures that have coexisted and flourished together.
Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat, situated along the banks of the Ganga, are two such localities where South Indian traditions have become so deeply rooted in Kashi's culture that the distinction between North and South India seems to disappear.
Here, the sweetness of the Tamil language blends with the warmth of the Banarasi dialect. The aroma of South Indian delicacies mingles with the flavours of Kashi's traditional cuisine. This is the cultural landscape where the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India) comes alive.
To take this centuries-old cultural and spiritual relationship to new heights, Kashi is once again set to host the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
The fifth edition, Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0, will be organised in Varanasi from November 28 to December 12, 2026. Even before the event begins, the lanes of Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat are already telling the story of this unique relationship.
Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat are not merely neighbourhoods situated along the banks of the Ganga; they are vibrant centres of the shared heritage of North and South India.
Venkataraman Ghanpathi, a resident of the area, explains that several families from South India have been living in Kashi for generations.
Some have been here for five generations, while others have been part of the city for as many as ten generations. Today, these families are no longer simply people who migrated from South India; they have become an integral part of Kashi.
These families have embraced the traditions and lifestyle of Kashi while carefully preserving their own language, cuisine, religious practices and cultural heritage. This is why the region reflects a unique blend of South Indian and Banarasi cultures.
Venkataraman Ghanpathi says that the steps of these ghats bear witness to India's centuries-old traditions, faith, discipline and the coming together of diverse ideas and philosophies. They offer a true glimpse of the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. Kashi Tamil Sangamam serves as a platform to further strengthen this bond.
The relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu is not merely cultural; it is also rooted in deep religious faith.
A pilgrimage to Kashi holds special significance in South India. According to tradition, devotees first visit Rameswaram to offer prayers and perform rituals.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.