Producing Films in Varanasi

You must have heard the name of this city as one of the most visited, on-the-list of a traveler or on the wish-list of a photographer who wants to capture colors of life. Varanasi remains a charm through the bygone centuries and it still continues to attract people from India and across the globe.

The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is amongst the most pious of the seven sacred cities according to Hinduism. The city has been monumental for development of Buddhism in Asia.

With Past several years of analysis, I have witnessed that the city is amongst one of the favorite for Documentary Filmmaking and Corporate Filmmaking. In this Blog, I am going to share the details of various Ghats, which has been filmed in various Bollywood and Hollywood Films.

RECOMMENDED PLACES FOR FILM PRODUCTION IN VARANASI, INDIA

Manmandir Ghat: Built by Maharaja Man Singh in the early 1600’s.Temples like Sthuladanta Vinayaka, Rameshwara and Someshwara temples are in close proximity to the ghat. This ghat has been featured prominently by Fashion Photographers in various shoots and catalogues

Darbhanga Ghat: The most famous amongst all the ghats. This place is symbolic with performing the final rites and rituals that accompanies the demise of family member. The ghat has a grand balcony that is used as a viewing tower for the family to watch the rituals. Commercial Filmmakers and Underwater Photographers have a field day filming here.

Panchganga Ghat: Famed as the mythical meeting place of five sacred rivers. Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa and Kirana.

Tourists and devotees visit this ghat to seek blessings of the river goddesses each symbolized by a black stone idol. Amongst the most holy of all the ghats, Documentary filmmakers flock this picturesque ghat to shoot their films.

Ramnagar Fort: Abode of the Royals of erstwhile Varanasi for about 400 years, it is situated across the river on the Assi ghat. The place is dilapidated and in ruins now. Though the palace attached to the fort still retains its regality and aura of a bygone era.

Ornamented swords, photographs of hunting tigers and visits by the Belgium Royalty adorn the walls of the palace. The Durbar Hall is now a museum, where several objects like palanquins and elephant howdahs are on display. The fort forms a perfect location for Fashion Photographers.

Causatthi Ghat: It is known for its beautiful palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran,Bihar. The ghat is also known as an asylum for the famous Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati. There is temple complex at the ghat as well, where images of Kali, folk goddesses, Shiva, Ganesha, and Kartikeya can be seen.

On the 12th dark-half of Chaitra (March-April) many pilgrims pay a visit to the Yogini temple and take ritual baths at this ghat. Another attraction is Holi eve when devotees throng the place to pay homage and perform rituals at the ghat.

The ghat becomes a picturesque and colourful place to shoot for Documentary Filmmakers, Commercial Filmmakers and Television Commercial Filmmakers.

If you are a film makers/Photographer, The Varanasi can be your perfect destination.

If you have some script in mind or planning to visit Varanasi, we would be happy to mee you over a chai/tea sitting at the bank of Holy River Ganges.