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Abstract
Varanasi is endowed with different cultures, religions, traditions, art & handicrafts, architectural styles, music and literature. The cultural landscape of interface—Ghats (steps and landings) lined by temples and other public buildings, pavilions, Kunds (bathing pond), Pundit’s umbrellas and flight of stairs—is layered and kinetic, and responsive to river’s flow. The Ghats are public commons, ritual spaces, and cremation sites. As such they represent an extraordinary cultural heritage in their history and as settings for continuing enactment of ancient traditions sustaining cultural memories, beliefs and values.