Which city in India is a major Hindu pilgrimage site where Hindus bathe in the Ganges?

Which city in India is a major Hindu pilgrimage site where Hindus bathe in the Ganges?

• A. London, England
• B. Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• C. Varanasi, India
• D. Istanbul, Turkey

Answer: (C)

Hindu pilgrimage practices hinge on the sacred status of rivers, especially the Ganges. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges helps cleanse sins and supports spiritual goals like moksha. Varansi, also known as Kashi, sits along the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and has long been one of Hinduism’s most important religious centers. Its ghats—steps leading into the river—are focal points for ritual baths, prayers, and offerings, drawing pilgrims from across the Hindu world. This deep river-centered spirituality makes Varansi a premier destination for Hindu pilgrims. The other cities do not fit because they are not hubs of Hindu pilgrimage or are associated with other religions or contexts.

Hindu pilgrimage practices hinge on the sacred status of rivers, especially the Ganges. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges helps cleanse sins and supports spiritual goals like moksha. Varansi, also known as Kashi, sits along the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and has long been one of Hinduism’s most important religious centers. Its ghats—steps leading into the river—are focal points for ritual baths, prayers, and offerings, drawing pilgrims from across the Hindu world. This deep river-centered spirituality makes Varansi a premier destination for Hindu pilgrims. The other cities do not fit because they are not hubs of Hindu pilgrimage or are associated with other religions or contexts.