Varanasi is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism located on the banks of the Ganges River in India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history as an early Aryan settlement and a center of religion, philosophy, commerce, and industry. In the 6th century BCE, the Buddha gave his first sermon in nearby Sarnath. Varanasi remains an important religious center that attracts over a million pilgrims each year hoping to die there. It is also known for its ghats, temples, universities, and as a center for arts, crafts, music, and dance.