Final answer:
Ghats are the special flights of steps leading down to the Ganges River in Varanasi, considered sacred in Hinduism and used for various rituals including bathing and cremation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The special flight of steps leading down to the Ganges River in Varanasi is known as a ghat. With 88 ghats lining the riverbank, each serves a distinct purpose such as bathing, performing religious rituals, or cremation. The Ganges is fondly called Mother Ganga and holds a sacred place in Hinduism.
Devotees believe the waters of the Ganges have purifying qualities, capable of washing away sins or curing illnesses. The cultural and spiritual significance of the Ganges and its ghats encapsulate the intersection of daily life and profound religious practices in India.