In which city of Uttar Pradesh will you find the following royal ghats: Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat?

• Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat are among the most prominent and historic riverfront steps (ghats) located in Varanasi (also known as Benares or Kashi) along the banks of the River Ganges.

• Assi Ghat is situated at the southern confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers; it is a major site for pilgrims to bathe before performing rituals and is famous for the "Subah-e-Banaras" morning aarti.

• Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats, primarily known as the main cremation ghat in Hinduism, where it is believed that a soul finds salvation (Moksha).

• Harishchandra Ghat is another significant cremation ghat, named after the legendary King Harishchandra, who is said to have worked here to uphold truth and righteousness.

• Varanasi is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world and is a central hub for Hindu spirituality, culture, and learning.

Information Booster:

• There are approximately 84 ghats in Varanasi, most of which are used for bathing and puja ceremonies, while a few are reserved exclusively for cremation.

• The city was traditionally known as the "City of Lights" and was the site where Lord Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon (at nearby Sarnath).

• The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous ghat for the spectacular evening Ganga Aarti, attracting thousands of tourists and devotees daily.

Additional Knowledge:

Kanpur (Option A) * Known as the "Manchester of the East," it is a major industrial city on the banks of the Ganges.

• While it has ghats like Bithoor and Sarsaiya Ghat, it does not house the iconic Manikarnika or Assi ghats.

Prayagraj (Option C) * Formerly known as Allahabad, it is famous for the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati).

• It is the site of the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, but its riverfront identity is centered around the Sangam rather than a series of individual stone ghats like Varanasi.

Ghazipur (Option D) * Located east of Varanasi, this city is known for its Opium factory established by the British.

• It lies on the banks of the Ganges but does not possess the globally recognized royal and sacred ghats mentioned in the question.