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Authentic Sweetness of Banaras

Rajkumar Gupta

Banaras is known for its renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Sarnath Temple, famous Ganga Aarti at Holy Assi and Dasaswamedh Ghats, Manikarnika Ghat, Banarasi Saree, and the Banarasi Paan. But Banaras is equally reputed for its varied, tasty, and delicious dishes. Rajkumar Gupta and ‘Rajshree Sweets,’ have added the perfect mix of sweetness to the pantheon of Banarasi dishes.

Rajkumar Gupta believes that Banaras, situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, is one of the world’s most renowned Hindu pilgrimages. Every day people in lakhs from all over the world visit Banaras for liberation and purification. The positive energy of Banaras is distinctively felt by the pilgrims.

Apart from being one of the famous pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India, Banaras is known as a top Indian tourist destination and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Rajkumar added that “the returning visitor from Banaras is always light, and carries a positive energy. Seeing the large number of devotees and tourists from within the country and abroad, I decided to start this business in 2005. I started my business from Orderly Bazaar on Kachahari Road, Varanasi.”

“I am a graduate from UP College, Varanasi, and also a devotee of Mahadev. At the beginning of my business, I got full support, cooperation, and guidance from my father, Shri Ganesh Prasad, wife Smt Upasana Gupta, and two brothers, Shri Rajesh Gupta and Shri Ravi Gupta. By Mahadev’s grace, I never had to look back. I believe that Mahadev has been immensely kind to me and by following the paths shown by him, we are here today.”

Anubhav Pandey, who has been working with cancer patients in Varanasi for a long time, said that today “the name of ‘Rajshree Sweets’ has travelled from Banaras to the whole of India, and has also reached the shores of many other countries. The construction of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has put Rajshree on the lips of more devotees coming from all over the world and senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh government and politicians.

Varanasi city, anciently known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and adorns a special place in the minds of Hindupilgrims and tourists alike. Situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, the city is a major centre for culture, mythology, literature and art. According to experts, the origin of this city dates back to 2,500 years ago, when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and chose to live together in Varanasi.

After this, Aryans came and settled in Varanasi and started trading in silk, muslin, ivory perfume, etc. The city had to navigate a difficult era during the Afghan invasion and Muslim rule when many ancient temples were destroyed. Kashi regained its glory during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

People of Banaras believe that since 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the MP of Banaras, Banaras has seen a transformation. The construction of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has helped the inflow of tourists and pilgrims to Varanasi, which in turn has increased the demand for Banarasi sweets.

Today, Rajshree Sweets’ Malai Laddu, Banarasi Kalakand, Sohan Halwa, Peda, Rasgulla, Parwal Sweets, Longlata, and Malai Gilori have become famous not only in Kashi; the whole of India is enjoying the unique taste of its sweets.

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