Festivals of Varanasi

The Festival Spirit of Banaras

Varanasi is not just a place of rituals and ghats, it is also a living stage of festivals. Nearly every month, the city comes alive with religious, cultural, and musical celebrations. From the flicker of lamps on the Ganges to dramatic retellings of epic tales, from classical music nights to street processions — festivals in Varanasi are immersive experiences linking past and present.

Dev Deepawali & Ganga Mahotsav

Fifteen days after Diwali, Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepawali — literally “the Diwali of the Gods.” On Kartik Poornima, the ghats from Ravidas Ghat to Raj Ghat sparkle with over a million oil lamps (diyas), while pilgrims take a holy bath and perform evening Aarti. It is believed the gods descend to bathe in the Ganga on that night. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

In conjunction with Dev Deepawali is Ganga Mahotsav, a five-day cultural festival run by UP Tourism. It features musical concerts, dance performances, arts & crafts fairs, boat races, sculpture displays, and martial arts events. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Mahashivratri

As the city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi celebrates Mahashivratri with deep reverence. On the 14th night of Phalguna, devotees stay awake, chanting, praying, and performing offerings in Shiva temples. The procession from Mahamrityunjaya Temple to Kashi Vishwanath is a highlight. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Rituals include pouring water or milk on Shiva lingams (abhisheka), lighting lamps, and chanting hymns. The city’s ambiance is mystical, with temples illuminated and spiritual energy at its peak. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Holi & Diwali

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. In Varanasi, joyous color play, music, and community celebrations light up neighborhoods and temple grounds. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is also deeply celebrated in Varanasi. Homes, temples, and ghats are decorated with lamps, rangolis, and lights. The devout worship Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) and the return of Rama from exile is commemorated. Apart from Diwali, the city’s unique “Dev Deepawali” happens later as a separate light festival on the Ganges. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Holi colors and Diwali lights in Varanasi

Bharat Milap

Celebrated in October/November, Bharat Milap commemorates the reunion of Lord Rama with his brother Bharat after 14 years of exile. The event is dramatized in processions and public ceremonies at Nati Imli and Ramgarh Fort. The Kashi Naresh traditionally participates in regal attire. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Nakkatayya & Nag Nathaiya

Nakkatayya is a dramatic re-enactment from the Ramayana where Lakshman cuts Surpanakha’s nose. The play takes place in Chetganj and draws large crowds. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Nag Nathaiya is celebrated at Tulsi Ghat and reenacts Krishna’s victory over the serpent Kaliya. A child actor playing Krishna dives into the river and stands atop a representation of the serpent—a symbolic triumph of good over evil. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Ramleela & Theatrical Festivals

Varanasi hosts one of the oldest and grandest Ramleela performances in the country. Over 31 days in Ramnagar, scenes from the Ramayana are enacted nightly under royal patronage. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

In addition, classical music festivals like Dhrupad Mela on Tulsi Ghat bring top musicians to perform in the sacred riverside setting. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Buddha Purnima & More

At nearby Sarnath, Buddha Purnima (the birth of Buddha) is celebrated with calm processions, prayers, and fairs. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Other notable celebrations include Hanuman Jayanti, Chhath Puja, Panch Kosi Parikrama, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh and local fairs. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Festival City: A Land of Eternal Celebrations

In Varanasi, festivals are not just events—they are the heartbeat of communal memory, spiritual expression, and cultural heritage. Whatever the season, the city offers a festival to touch hearts and challenge senses. Every celebration becomes a living narrative of devotion, music, art, and the eternal Ganga.