NEW DELHI: I have a love-hate relationship with Benaras. Within a span of a minute, I go from loving the energy of the city to hating the chaos and then back to loving it again. Focusing on the positive, there are many things to love about Benaras: they way the morning sun cascades over the historic ghats, waking up the entire city with it; the collective vibe that has developed over years and years of spiritual reverberations; the sheer history of the birthplace of Hinduism; the rich culture of the city, that for me is embodied in the tradition of the Benarasi sari; and perhaps most of all -- the city’s tolerance, built upon by years of syncretic values and living.

Recently, however, I stumbled upon one more thing to love about Benaras, and have spent the last few days getting acquainted with it. I am proud to now admit that I closely know and absolutely love “The Cows Of Benaras.”

In these last few days I have met cows that have taught me about love and friendship, cows that have taught me about politics, cows that know more about the economy than any human I have come across, and cows that have their priorities right.

The best part about these cows is that you don’t have to travel all the way to Benaras to meet them. You can get to know them as well as I do by merely checking out this amazing new Facebook page (honestly, the folk behind it deserve a medal, and gallons and gallons of milk too). Check out “Cows Of Benaras” on Facebook -- you will not regret it.

Here are some of my favourite cows: