Description
Kabir Aur Banaras (13 Dec-15 Dec’24)
Kabir Aur Banaras
Welcome Traveller,
This December, embark on a once-in-a-year experience like no other. During the Mahindra Kabira Festival, walk in Kabir’s footsteps, immerse yourself in his timeless teachings, and connect deeply with the soulful essence of Banaras—a city where the sacred Ganga flows eternal, and Kabir’s spirit endures in every whisper of the wind.
Kabir Aur Banaras is not a trip. This is a journey that will transform your perspective on life, and perhaps even lead you to your truest self.
Why join Us?
- Walk with Kabir: Explore the ancient lanes of Banaras, Kabir’s birthplace, and the ghats where his legacy continues to thrive.
- Reflect through Music: Experience soulful Kabir Satsangs with Umesh Kabir Ji, and witness Kabir’s message come to life through music during the festival.
- A Deep Spiritual Connection: From the serene morning Aartis to the Ganga’s sacred waters, each moment will deepen your connection to Kabir’s wisdom and to yourself.
- Find Your True Self: Kabir’s teachings of truth, love, and simplicity are a gateway to introspection. They will inspire you to reflect on what truly matters.
Included
All entry fees
Breakfast on Day 2, 3. Lunch on Day 3
Reflection cards and journaling materials, Guided storytelling and reflections
All intra city commutes during the experiences including boats
Price Breakup
INR 28500 Per Person +5% GST
Itinerary
Day 1: Walking the Path of Kabir
2:30 PM: In the Footsteps of Kabir
Trace Kabir’s life through Banaras’s hidden lanes, ending at his school where his spiritual journey began.
4:30 PM: Sunset Boat Tour
Experience the serenity of the Ganga at sunset. Reflect on the threads that make up your being through a guided prompt. Begin weaving your reflection cards with a thread, tying your first insight to the journey.
6 PM: Evening Ganga Aarti
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual spectacle of chants and light.
7:30 PM: Evening Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Immerse yourself in Kabir’s philosophy through soulful performances by Banaras Gharana and Sufi musicians.
End the day by 9:00 PM.
Day 2: Immersing in Kabir’s Wisdom
6:00 AM: Soulful Tunes on the Ganga
Start your day with the enchanting tunes of a flutist as the sun rises over the Ganga. Witness the mesmerizing Subah-e-Banaras, a celebration of morning life on the ghats, and reflect on the simplicity of beginnings.
8:30 AM: Breakfast in Kabir’s Mauhalla
Savor Banaras’s most iconic morning delights—soft, airy Malaiyo, paired with the city’s staple breakfast of Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi. Let the flavors transport you deeper into Banaras’s cultural essence.
11:00 AM: Chadariya Jhini-Re-Jhini: The Kabir Walk
Delve into Kabir’s birthplace and the weaving culture of Varanasi. At Kabir Math, join a satsang with Umesh Kabir Ji, a celebrated expert on Kabir and a phenomenal musician. Reflect on Kabir’s teachings of interconnectedness and love as you tie another reflection card to your thread, symbolizing patience and balance in life.
1:30 PM: Break
Rest and absorb the morning’s experiences.
4:30 PM: Food Walk
Savor Banaras’ street food while reflecting on Kabir’s critique of excess and consumption. Add a card to your thread, exploring what truly nourishes your soul.
7:00 PM: Evening Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Continue to explore Kabir’s teachings through vibrant performances celebrating truth and love.
End the day by 8:30 PM.
Day 3: Weaving the Threads of Kabir’s Teachings
6:00 AM: Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
Begin the day with a serene darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, reflecting on Kabir’s critique of ritual and the divine within.
7:30 AM: Morning Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Pause for 45 minutes to soak in the soulful sounds of Kabir-inspired music at the festival, setting the tone for the day ahead.
8:30 AM: Southern Banaras Walk and Breakfast
Explore the timeless lifestyle of Banaras through its traditional akharas, historic sites like Tulsi Das Ji’s house, and morning rituals. Conclude the walk with a delicious Banarasi breakfast.
10:00 AM: Break
Take a brief pause to recharge before the concluding part of the journey.
1:00 PM: Role of Weaving in Kabir’s Life and Banaras – Expert Session and Lunch
Hear Stuti Weaves founders share insights into the weaving process, Kabir’s life as a weaver, and today’s weaving industry in Banaras through their remarkable journey. Relish a home-cooked meal at their regal residence.
Closing Reflections: Conclude the journey with a group discussion, tying the final card to your journal and reflecting on the insights and truths uncovered over the past three days.
End the journey by 4:30 PM.
Note on Departure: Participants are free to book their return flights for Sunday night. Alternatively, you may choose to stay back and enjoy the final night of the Mahindra Kabira Festival at leisure, experiencing its vibrant energy one last time, before departing on Monday morning.
Welcome Traveller,
This December, embark on a once-in-a-year experience like no other. During the Mahindra Kabira Festival, walk in Kabir’s footsteps, immerse yourself in his timeless teachings, and connect deeply with the soulful essence of Banaras—a city where the sacred Ganga flows eternal, and Kabir’s spirit endures in every whisper of the wind.
Kabir Aur Banaras is not a trip. This is a journey that will transform your perspective on life, and perhaps even lead you to your truest self.
Why Join Us?
- Walk with Kabir: Explore the ancient lanes of Banaras, Kabir’s birthplace, and the ghats where his legacy continues to thrive.
- Reflect through Music: Experience soulful Kabir Satsangs with Umesh Kabir Ji, and witness Kabir’s message come to life through music during the festival.
- A Deep Spiritual Connection: From the serene morning Aartis to the Ganga’s sacred waters, each moment will deepen your connection to Kabir’s wisdom and to yourself.
- Find Your True Self: Kabir’s teachings of truth, love, and simplicity are a gateway to introspection. They will inspire you to reflect on what truly matters.
Included
All entry fees.
Breakfast on Day 2, 3. Lunch on Day 3.
Reflection cards and journaling materials, Guided storytelling and reflections.
All intra city commutes during the experiences including boats.
Itinerary
Day 1: Walking the Path of Kabir
2:30 PM: In the Footsteps of Kabir
Trace Kabir’s life through Banaras’s hidden lanes, ending at his school where his spiritual journey began.
4:30 PM: Sunset Boat Tour
Experience the serenity of the Ganga at sunset. Reflect on the threads that make up your being through a guided prompt. Begin weaving your reflection cards with a thread, tying your first insight to the journey.
6 PM: Evening Ganga Aarti
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual spectacle of chants and light.
7:30 PM: Evening Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Immerse yourself in Kabir’s philosophy through soulful performances by Banaras Gharana and Sufi musicians.
End the day by 9:00 PM.
Day 2: Immersing in Kabir’s Wisdom
6:00 AM: Soulful Tunes on the Ganga
Start your day with the enchanting tunes of a flutist as the sun rises over the Ganga. Witness the mesmerizing Subah-e-Banaras, a celebration of morning life on the ghats, and reflect on the simplicity of beginnings.
8:30 AM: Breakfast in Kabir’s Mauhalla
Savor Banaras’s most iconic morning delights—soft, airy Malaiyo, paired with the city’s staple breakfast of Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi. Let the flavors transport you deeper into Banaras’s cultural essence.
11:00 AM: Chadariya Jhini-Re-Jhini: The Kabir Walk
Delve into Kabir’s birthplace and the weaving culture of Varanasi. At Kabir Math, join a satsang with Umesh Kabir Ji, a celebrated expert on Kabir and a phenomenal musician. Reflect on Kabir’s teachings of interconnectedness and love as you tie another reflection card to your thread, symbolizing patience and balance in life.
1:30 PM: Break
Rest and absorb the morning’s experiences.
4:30 PM: Food Walk
Savor Banaras’ street food while reflecting on Kabir’s critique of excess and consumption. Add a card to your thread, exploring what truly nourishes your soul.
7:00 PM: Evening Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Continue to explore Kabir’s teachings through vibrant performances celebrating truth and love.
End the day by 8:30 PM.
Day 3: Weaving the Threads of Kabir’s Teachings
6:00 AM: Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
Begin the day with a serene darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, reflecting on Kabir’s critique of ritual and the divine within.
7:30 AM: Morning Music at Mahindra Kabira Festival
Pause for 45 minutes to soak in the soulful sounds of Kabir-inspired music at the festival, setting the tone for the day ahead.
8:30 AM: Southern Banaras Walk and Breakfast
Explore the timeless lifestyle of Banaras through its traditional akharas, historic sites like Tulsi Das Ji’s house, and morning rituals. Conclude the walk with a delicious Banarasi breakfast.
10:00 AM: Break
Take a brief pause to recharge before the concluding part of the journey.
1:00 PM: Role of Weaving in Kabir’s Life and Banaras – Expert Session and Lunch
Hear Stuti Weaves founders share insights into the weaving process, Kabir’s life as a weaver, and today’s weaving industry in Banaras through their remarkable journey. Relish a home-cooked meal at their regal residence.
Closing Reflections: Conclude the journey with a group discussion, tying the final card to your journal and reflecting on the insights and truths uncovered over the past three days.
End the journey by 4:30 PM.
Note on Departure: Participants are free to book their return flights for Sunday night. Alternatively, you may choose to stay back and enjoy the final night of the Mahindra Kabira Festival at leisure, experiencing its vibrant energy one last time, before departing on Monday morning.
Price Breakup
INR 28500 Per Person +5% GST
Know your Storyteller
Anupam
Storyteller & Photographer, Varanasi
Photographer who kindles curiosity & conversation around heritage
Read more
Anchal
Co-founder, Storyteller
Co-founder storyteller who is also a yogi opens you to cultural frameworks
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Aayush
Co-founder, Storyteller
Co-founder Storyteller who exudes passion for stories and insights
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Mudita
Storyteller, Varanasi
A tourism graduate whose stories find a deep connection in the arts and foo
Read moreReviews
Chip from Nashua, New Hampshire
Everything about this was well planned. I joined the boat tour of Dev Diwali. They were friendly and informed and helpful. They had treats for us and lamps to light. They took pictures for us and told stories. They were great!
Richika from Guwahati
It was indeed a pleasure to experience the splendour of Banaras’s biggest festival Dev Diwali with Roobaroo. Our guide, Aayush, who are called story tellers, indeed proved worthy of his title, as he had a story to tell about each of the ghats. His hospitality, down to earth attitude and knowledge about the city, was really commendable. I am regretting that we did not do the city tour with them. I would love to go back to Banaras once again to know the city more with Roobaroo.
Riitoo from New Delhi
For the wonderful folk of Team Roobaroo – this is obvously a labour of love. Asides of the exhaustive knowledge and wealth of incredible detailing Anupam and Sudarshan shared with us on our walks in and around Varanasi – it was their love and passion for this incredible city that shone through in their walks and experiences with us. We did the Old Varanasi Walk, the Dev Diwali experience and the Kashi Vishwanath darshan with them.
They made the most innocuous corners of Varnasi come alive with their stories of the city – which could otherwise just have been any other old Indian city. I came to know about the Masan ki Holi where the ritual of Holi is played with ash from the pyes of Manikarnika Ghat ! About how Ma Ganga flows peacefully through Varanasi – because she is at the feet of her beloved Bholenath. A city where people greet each other with a respectful ” Mahadev ! ”
The intricate details of the Dev Diwali experience and the making of flower rangoli on the ghats and lighting of ”
diyas “made the evening very very special.
And I will never evert forget a moving but specatcular ” darshan” – in the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kashi Vishwanath ji. These guys are rockstars. I will be back. Soon.
Achutan from Bangalore
The oldest living city, the city of five names, the city of Shiva, the city of complete contrasts, the city where life and death are both celebrated…I could go on and on.
Roobaroo brings this experience to life! Fully so. We were there on Nov 11, 2019 for Dev Deepavali and what a time it was!
We did two walks with them, the Sunset Tour and the Ganga Aarthi, on November 11, and then the next day the Dev Deepavali experience tour. Both were from a private boat booked for us and the others on the tour/s. So extremely good company, no over crowding.
We had the pleasure and the company of two very intelligent, wise men of Banaras – guys who really know the city. Its flavors, the stories and the innate ability to hold your attention for over five to six hours at a time! Now that is really something!
Thank you Sudarshan and Anupam!
We had enough water, a decent snack and we also ended up with creating our own rangoli with rose petals and lighting diyas as our offering. With a meetha paan to round it off!
We also did the Kashi Vishwanath mandir special darshan the next evening with Anupam and had an excellent darshan.
So here’s the thing – if you want a well thought out walking tour, if you want to delve into the city and its history, get in touch with Roobaroo. By the way, Anupam is also an excellent photographer and he has a photo tour as well.
Sudharshan and Anupam know all the great eating joints as well, so that is the additional input you can get from them. Thank you both so much for the meetha and saada paans!
Till we meet again – God Bless.
Achuthan
Chip from Nashua, New Hampshire
Everything about this was well planned. I joined the boat tour of Dev Diwali. They were friendly and informed and helpful. They had treats for us and lamps to light. They took pictures for us and told stories. They were great!
Richika from Guwahati
It was indeed a pleasure to experience the splendour of Banaras’s biggest festival Dev Diwali with Roobaroo. Our guide, Aayush, who are called story tellers, indeed proved worthy of his title, as he had a story to tell about each of the ghats. His hospitality, down to earth attitude and knowledge about the city, was really commendable. I am regretting that we did not do the city tour with them. I would love to go back to Banaras once again to know the city more with Roobaroo.
Riitoo from New Delhi
For the wonderful folk of Team Roobaroo – this is obvously a labour of love. Asides of the exhaustive knowledge and wealth of incredible detailing Anupam and Sudarshan shared with us on our walks in and around Varanasi – it was their love and passion for this incredible city that shone through in their walks and experiences with us. We did the Old Varanasi Walk, the Dev Diwali experience and the Kashi Vishwanath darshan with them.
They made the most innocuous corners of Varnasi come alive with their stories of the city – which could otherwise just have been any other old Indian city. I came to know about the Masan ki Holi where the ritual of Holi is played with ash from the pyes of Manikarnika Ghat ! About how Ma Ganga flows peacefully through Varanasi – because she is at the feet of her beloved Bholenath. A city where people greet each other with a respectful ” Mahadev ! ”
The intricate details of the Dev Diwali experience and the making of flower rangoli on the ghats and lighting of ”
diyas “made the evening very very special.
And I will never evert forget a moving but specatcular ” darshan” – in the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kashi Vishwanath ji. These guys are rockstars. I will be back. Soon.
Achutan from Bangalore
The oldest living city, the city of five names, the city of Shiva, the city of complete contrasts, the city where life and death are both celebrated…I could go on and on.
Roobaroo brings this experience to life! Fully so. We were there on Nov 11, 2019 for Dev Deepavali and what a time it was!
We did two walks with them, the Sunset Tour and the Ganga Aarthi, on November 11, and then the next day the Dev Deepavali experience tour. Both were from a private boat booked for us and the others on the tour/s. So extremely good company, no over crowding.
We had the pleasure and the company of two very intelligent, wise men of Banaras – guys who really know the city. Its flavors, the stories and the innate ability to hold your attention for over five to six hours at a time! Now that is really something!
Thank you Sudarshan and Anupam!
We had enough water, a decent snack and we also ended up with creating our own rangoli with rose petals and lighting diyas as our offering. With a meetha paan to round it off!
We also did the Kashi Vishwanath mandir special darshan the next evening with Anupam and had an excellent darshan.
So here’s the thing – if you want a well thought out walking tour, if you want to delve into the city and its history, get in touch with Roobaroo. By the way, Anupam is also an excellent photographer and he has a photo tour as well.
Sudharshan and Anupam know all the great eating joints as well, so that is the additional input you can get from them. Thank you both so much for the meetha and saada paans!
Till we meet again – God Bless.
Achuthan
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