Festivals & Events in Varanasi

Experience over 100 vibrant festivals in Varanasi throughout the year, from the spectacular Dev Deepawali with 15 lakh diyas to colorful Holi celebrations and sacred Mahashivratri.

Updated 28 September 20262 min read

The spiritual capital of India comes alive through countless festivals that paint the ancient ghats in vibrant hues of devotion, music, and celebration throughout the year.

Varanasi Festival Highlights

100+

Annual festivals & events

15 Lakh

Dev Deepawali visitors

2500+

Years of Kashi tradition

Ghats celebrating together

Festival Calendar

Jan-Mar

Mahashivratri | Holi | Ram Navami

Apr-Jun

Buddha Purnima | Ganga Mahotsav | Summer Solstice

Jul-Sep

Nag Nathaiya | Janmashtami | Ramlila Festival

Oct-Dec

Navratri | Diwali | Dev Deepawali

Major Festivals

Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima)

November • All Ghats • The most spectacular festival when 15 lakh diyas illuminate every ghat step

Mahashivratri

February/March • Kashi Vishwanath • Night-long prayers, abhishek ceremonies, massive crowds

Holi Festival

March • Citywide • Colors, music, bhang, traditional sweets; most vibrant at Assi Ghat

Ganga Mahotsav

November • Dasaswamedh Ghat • 5-day cultural extravaganza with classical music and dance

Cultural Celebrations

Nag Nathaiya (Nag Panchami)

July/August • Snake worship, traditional fairs, special prayers at Nag Kuan temples

Janmashtami

August/September • Krishna temples come alive with midnight celebrations and jhankis

Navratri

September/October • 9 nights of Durga worship, cultural programs, dandiya nights

Buddha Purnima

April/May • Sarnath becomes pilgrimage center, peaceful processions and prayers

Festival Insider Tips

Plan Ahead: Book accommodation 2-3 months early for Dev Deepawali; prices increase 300-400%

Best Viewing Spots: Book ghat-view hotels or evening boat rides for Dev Deepawali; Dashashwamedh offers premium views

Dress Code: Wear traditional Indian clothes during major festivals; white for Shivratri, colors for Holi

Festival Foods: Try special prasad and festival sweets; avoid street water during Holi celebrations

Best Photography: Early morning Ganga Aarti, Dev Deepawali sunset, Holi colors at Assi Ghat

Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws during festivals; pre-book taxis for major events; walk on ghat roads

Budget Tips: ₹500-2000 for festival experiences; ₹50-200 for local food; free ghat viewing

Stay Connected: Download festival apps; follow @VaranasiTourism; local guides available at ghats

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the major festivals celebrated in a way of its own in this sacred city are the Dev Deepawali, Ganga Mahotsav, Kartik Purnima, Mouni Amsya, Ram Lila, Bharat Milap, Nakktaiya(Chetganj), Nagnathaiya(Assi Ghat), Hanuman Jayanti, Mahashivratri, Rath Yatra, Holi, Dussehra and Deepavali.

To find out if there are any events happening in Varanasi today, you can check local listings, community boards, or social media platforms that focus on events in the city. Varanasi often hosts cultural programs, religious ceremonies, and festivals, so there may be something taking place depending on the time of year.

When in Kashi, consider purchasing traditional Banarasi silk sarees, known for their intricate designs and rich textures. Other popular items include handcrafted brassware, wooden toys, and religious artifacts, such as idols and prayer beads, which reflect the city's cultural heritage. Don't forget to try local sweets like Banarasi peda as a tasty souvenir.

The top 10 biggest festivals in Varanasi include Diwali, the Festival of Lights; Holi, the Festival of Colors; Makar Sankranti, marking the winter solstice; Shivratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva; Ganga Mahotsav, celebrating the Ganges River; Buddha Purnima, honoring Buddha's birth; Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil; Ram Navami, celebrating Lord Rama's birth; Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God; and Janmashtami, marking Lord Krishna's birth. Each festival features unique rituals, cultural performances, and vibrant celebrations that attract both locals and tourists.

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