Enlighten Varanasi

The sacred month of Sawan has begun, and Varanasi is once again immersed in devotion. On the first Monday of Sawan 2026, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham witnessed an extraordinary sea of devotees, with serpentine queues stretching from Godowlia and Maidagin long before sunrise. Chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echoed through the lanes as pilgrims waited patiently for a glimpse of Baba Vishwanath. Sawan, or Shravan, is considered the month dearest to Lord Shiva. Mondays of this month, known as Sawan Somwar, hold special significance: devotees observe fasts and offer jalabhishek, sacred Ganga water poured over the Shivling. In Kashi, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the ritual carries a unique charm, as devotees fill Ganga jal at the ghats and carry it through the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to the sanctum. The corridor, with its spacious courtyards and organised queue systems, has made darshan smoother even on peak days. Volunteers, water points and medical booths supported the flow of pilgrims, while the ghats glowed with a saffron wave of kanwariyas moving toward the Dham. The devotion was not limited to the main temple. The ancient Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir at Kedar Ghat, counted among Kashi's oldest Shiva shrines, also drew large crowds, as did neighbourhood Shiva temples across the city. With more Sawan Mondays ahead, pilgrims are advised to plan darshan in the early morning or late evening, follow the official queue arrangements, and stay hydrated. Kashi's most beautiful month has only just begun.

As we enter the sacred month of Sawan, the first Monday is particularly significant for the devotees of Lord Shiva in Varanasi and across India. This divine time is not just about rituals; it’s about coming together in a spirit of devotion and joy. Many believers flock to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where they find solace and strength in their faith. The ambience is filled with vibrant energy, creating a sense of unity among all who are present. During this month, countless devotees undertake fasting as an expression of their commitment and reverence. They don traditional attire in shades of green, representing freshness, growth, and spiritual renewal. The rituals performed during Sawan forge a profound connection between the worshippers and the divine, making it an extraordinary experience that resonates deeply with both locals and visitors. The streets of Varanasi come alive with beautiful decorations, the aroma of traditional offerings wafting through the air, enhancing the overall atmosphere of this holy city. Visiting Varanasi during the auspicious Mondays of Sawan offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich spiritual tapestry. It's a wonderful opportunity to witness morning aartis that fill the ghats with divine melodies. The bustling markets brimming with flowers, sweets, and other offerings create a festive spirit that is hard to resist. Gather your family and friends to dive into this rich cultural and spiritual experience that embodies the true essence of Kashi. Let us open our hearts to the blessings of Mahadev as we celebrate this sacred occasion together. May this Sawan bring peace and happiness to everyone. Har Har Mahadev! 🌺

Ask any traveller about Varanasi and they will describe the ghats: the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh, the boats at sunrise, the cafes of Assi. But step a few hundred metres away from the riverfront, and a very different Kashi begins — a maze of narrow residential lanes where the city's everyday life has flowed unchanged for generations. A newly released 4K walking tour by the international travel channel Virtual Journey takes viewers deep into these lesser-known galis, deliberately walking in the opposite direction from the usual tourist trail. What unfolds is quietly captivating: centuries-old houses leaning into each other, tiny shrines tucked into wall niches, milkmen on their morning rounds, children playing cricket in impossibly narrow corridors, and neighbours chatting across doorsteps. For visitors, these lanes offer something no monument can: the rhythm of real Banarasi life. This is where the city's famed masti and unhurried spirit live — in the morning chai stalls, the sound of temple bells from unseen courtyards, and the warm curiosity of residents. Travellers exploring the galis should remember they are walking through people's neighbourhoods. Keep voices low, ask before photographing anyone, support the small shops you pass, and consider hiring a local guide who can share each lane's history and name. The ghats may be Varanasi's magnificent face, but its hidden lanes are the city's heartbeat. For those willing to wander without a map, old Kashi always keeps a story waiting around the next corner.