Imagine a city where ancient temples meet vibrant university life, where students rally for fairness and scale Himalayan peaks in the same breath.
In 2025, Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart, is buzzing with energy from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where a student’s protest against wrongful expulsion and a mountaineering team’s triumph on Mount Moon Peak are making headlines.
offering a glimpse into Varanasi’s blend of passion, resilience, and achievement. We’ll cover the protest details, the mountaineering feat, why Varanasi is a must-visit, and travel tips for Americans, all in clear, engaging language. Let’s explore Varanasi’s dynamic spirit!
- BHU Student Protest: A student fights wrongful expulsion over a false assault charge, sparking campus unrest.
- Mountaineering Triumph: BHU’s team conquers Mount Moon Peak, showcasing determination.
- Why Varanasi Matters: The city’s spiritual and cultural allure for US travelers.
- Travel Tips: How to plan a safe, budget-friendly trip to Varanasi in 2025.
- Quick Summary: Key points for readers short on time.
- Interactive Data: Charts comparing BHU protest trends and travel costs.
- Stay Updated: Trusted sources for Varanasi news.
BHU Student Protest: A Fight for Justice
On July 4, 2025, BHU student Prashant Giri launched a protest against his expulsion from the university, claiming he was falsely accused in an assault case at Sir Sunderlal Hospital on September 21, 2024.
Giri alleges the university misidentified him, and police investigations later cleared his name, yet BHU upheld the expulsion. He began a sit-in at the campus’s central office, demanding reinstatement and justice.
The protest has drawn attention to BHU’s administrative processes, with students rallying for transparency. This follows a pattern of campus unrest, as seen in past protests over safety and admissions, highlighting BHU’s active student community pushing for change.
| Protest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 4, 2025 |
| Location | BHU Central Office, Varanasi |
| Cause | Wrongful expulsion over false assault charge |
| Student | Prashant Giri |
| Demand | Reinstatement and administrative transparency |
BHU Mountaineering Triumph: Scaling New Heights
On June 23, 2025, a 13-member BHU Mountaineering Centre team embarked on an expedition to Mount Moon Peak in Himachal Pradesh, a 6,700-meter challenge.
Flagged off by registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, the team started their climb from Dharamshala, battling tough terrain and harsh weather. They successfully summited, planting BHU’s flag atop the peak, a testament to their grit and teamwork.
This achievement adds to BHU’s mountaineering legacy, following their 2024 Mount Yunam success. For US readers, it showcases Varanasi’s vibrant student life, blending academic rigor with daring adventures.
| Expedition Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 23–July 2025 |
| Location | Mount Moon Peak, Himachal Pradesh |
| Team Size | 13 students |
| Achievement | Successful summit of 6,700-meter peak |
| Led By | BHU Mountaineering Centre |
Why Varanasi Matters
Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, is a top 2025 destination for Americans seeking culture and adventure. Known for its Ganges River ghats and ancient temples like Kashi Vishwanath, it welcomed 12 million tourists in 2024.
BHU, a 100-year-old university, adds a modern pulse with 30,000+ students driving activism and achievements like the mountaineering feat.
Wellness options, like yoga retreats at Assi Ghat ($200/week), and cultural experiences, like Ganges aarti ceremonies ($5), make Varanasi affordable compared to US retreats ($1,500/week).
Flights from New York to Delhi start at $650, with a $20 train to Varanasi, per Google Flights. Improved 5G and train connectivity make it accessible.
Top Things to Do in Varanasi
- Ganges Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat ($5 boat ride).
- Yoga Retreats: Join 7-day programs at centers like Varanasi Yoga School for $200, blending meditation and river views.
- Temple Tours: Visit Kashi Vishwanath or Sankat Mochan for $10 guided tours, steeped in spirituality.
- Sarnath: Explore Buddha’s first sermon site, 6 miles away, for $15/day with Viator.
- Street Food: Savor kachoris and lassis at Deena Chaat Bhandar for $3/meal.
| Activity | Cost (USD) | Duration | Best Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganges Aarti | $5 | 1 hour | Local boat operators |
| Yoga Retreat | $200/week | 7 days | Varanasi Yoga School |
| Temple Tour | $10 | 2 hours | Viator |
| Sarnath Visit | $15/day | 4 hours | GetYourGuide |
| Street Food | $3/meal | 1 hour | Deena Chaat Bhandar |
Planning Your Varanasi Trip
Here’s how US travelers can plan a smooth visit:
- Flights: Book 3–6 months early via Skyscanner. New York–Delhi flights cost $650; take a $20 train or $50 taxi to Varanasi (12 hours).
- Visa: Apply for an e-Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in ($25 for 30 days, $80 for 1 year).
- Packing: Bring lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, and a filtered water bottle. Pack modest attire for temples.
- Currency: Use UPI apps like Google Pay; $1 = ₹85 in 2025.
- Best Time: Visit November–February for mild weather (60–75°F).
Quick Summary
Varanasi in 2025 is a vibrant mix of spirituality and student energy. BHU student Prashant Giri protests his wrongful expulsion over a false assault charge, demanding justice.
Meanwhile, BHU’s mountaineering team conquered Mount Moon Peak, showcasing resilience. Visit Varanasi for $200 yoga retreats, $5 Ganges aarti, and $650 flights from New York.
Book early, wear modest clothes, and drink bottled water. Varanasi’s 12 million tourists and BHU’s dynamic campus make it a top US travel pick.
Staying Safe and Respecting Culture
Varanasi is safe for its 12 million annual visitors, but precautions ensure a smooth trip:
- Health: Drink bottled water (e.g., Bisleri) and get hepatitis A/typhoid vaccines.
- Safety: Book with trusted operators like GetYourGuide and avoid isolated areas at night.
- Culture: Greet with “Namaste” and cover shoulders/knees at temples.
- Tech: Use TripIt for itineraries, NordVPN for secure Wi-Fi, and Ola for taxis.
| Safety Tip | Benefit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled Water | Prevents illness | Buy Kinley |
| Trusted Tours | Ensures safety | Use Viator |
| Modest Clothing | Respects culture | Cover knees |
Tech for a Seamless Trip
Travel tech enhances your Varanasi visit:
- Biometrics: Delhi airport’s facial recognition cuts check-in time by 25%.
- Apps: Google Translate for Hindi phrases; TripIt for plans.
- Payments: UPI apps like PhonePe work in Varanasi markets.
- Insurance: Allianz travel insurance ($50–$100) covers emergencies.
Varanasi’s Future in 2025
India’s tourism market is set to hit $50 billion by 2026, with Varanasi leading as a spiritual and cultural hub, per a 2025 FICCI report.
BHU’s active student body drives its reputation, with protests pushing for better governance and achievements like mountaineering boosting its global profile.
New train routes and e-Visa efficiency (90% approved in 48 hours) make Varanasi more accessible. For US travelers, its affordability and vibrant energy make it a 2025 standout.
