Benares was officially renamed Varanasi.
The renaming of Benares to Varanasi took place on 24 May 1956. Varanasi is a city located on the banks of the River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds immense religious and cultural significance in Hinduism and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The name "Varanasi" has ancient roots and is derived from the names Varuna, the Hindu god of water, and Assi, the name of a nearby river. The change in name was part of a broader movement in post-independence India to restore the traditional names of cities and regions that had been anglicized during the British colonial period.
By adopting the name Varanasi, the city reconnected with its historical and cultural heritage, as it had been referred to by that name for centuries. The renaming also aimed to reinforce the city's identity and cultural roots, reflecting the sentiments of the local population.
Today, Varanasi continues to be a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its sacred temples, ghats (steps leading down to the river), and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. The name Varanasi is widely recognized and used to refer to the city both within India and internationally.
