होली — रंगों का त्योहार, बनारस के अंदाज़ में
Holi in Banaras
Holi 2026 has passed. If you're planning ahead, the next Banaras Holi is on Wednesday, March 3, 2027 — bookmark this page for the three distinct celebrations (Masaan, Rang Barse, traditional). For travel right now, see best time to visit Varanasi and our W4 evergreens at the bottom of this page.
Holi in Banaras
Varanasi doesn't just celebrate Holi — it reimagines it. Three celebrations, each unlike any other. Banaras plays Holi differently, with celebrations beginning early over days 1–7.
Three Unique Holi Celebrations
Experience Holi reimagined through fire, music, and color across Banaras.
Masaan Holi
Day After Holi · Manikarnika Ghat. The most extraordinary Holi in India — played with the ash from the eternal cremation fires of Manikarnika. Aghori sadhus and devotees of Shiva smear themselves in ash and dance in devotion. This is not a tourist performance — it is a genuine, centuries-old spiritual observance. Occurs the day after main Holi, at dawn. Aghori sadhus lead the celebration at the burning ghat. Witness with deep respect — this is sacred, not a spectacle. No photography without explicit permission.
Rang Barse
One Week Before Holi · Old City. Banarasi classical musicians perform the iconic "Rang Barse" — Holi songs — in intimate performances in the old city haveli courtyards and on the ghats. This is when you hear Holi as Banaras has always heard it: live, unfiltered, and deeply musical. Classical Hori (Holi songs) in the dhrupad and thumri tradition. Intimate performances in haveli courtyards — look for announcements. BHU hosts formal classical music Holi performances. The most culturally authentic Holi experience in India.
Main Holi on the Ghats
Phalguna Purnima · All Ghats. The day of Holi itself transforms the ghats into an explosion of colour. Locals, pilgrims, and travellers mingle freely. Thandai flows, drums pound, and everyone is equal under the colours. Assi Ghat has become a famous gathering point — but the side lanes of the old city are where the real Banaras Holi lives. Assi Ghat: large gathering, international crowd, festive atmosphere. Old city galis: more intense, local, and authentic — join if invited. Thandai (with or without bhang) offered by locals — ask before accepting. Celebrations peak 9 AM – 2 PM; taper off by evening.
Colour & Safety Guide
Play Holi joyfully — know what's safe, what to watch, and what to avoid.
Natural / Herbal Colours
Made from flowers, turmeric, and plant extracts. Skin-safe, easy to wash off. Buy from organic stalls near Assi Ghat.
Pichkari (Water)
Clean water in a pichkari (squirt gun) — the most joyful and safest way to play. Sold everywhere during the season.
Commercial Gulal
Widely available powder — usually fine but quality varies. Avoid inhaling; cover nose and mouth if colours are flying.
Industrial Dyes
Cheap bright colours can contain harmful chemicals. If colour smells chemical or burns skin — walk away immediately.
Do's & Don'ts
Quick Facts
📅 When
Phalguna Purnima — March (main day). Masaan Holi: the next morning at Manikarnika.
🎨 Best Spot
Assi Ghat for international crowd; old city galis for authentic local Holi
🌸 Colours
Buy herbal/natural gulal from Assi Ghat stalls — safer for skin and washes off easily
👕 Wear
Old white clothes + oil your skin first. Sealed waterproof pouch for phone.
What to Read Next
Out of season for Holi but planning a Banaras trip? These are in season right now:
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Season-by-season guide. Why Apr–Jun is the heat window to time around, and which months pair with Buddha Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and the cooler post-monsoon stretch. Read the guide →
Varanasi Photography Guide
Twenty most photogenic spots — from Manikarnika at dawn to Ramnagar at golden hour — with the timing and ghat-level access notes for each. Read the guide →
Sarnath Buddha Purnima 2026
Buddha Purnima at Sarnath on May 11, 2026. Date, schedule, how to reach, what to expect at the Dhamekh Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. Read the guide →
The Banaras Festival Calendar
Dev Deepawali, Maha Shivaratri, Nag Nathaiya, Bharat Milap — the full year of Banaras festivals, when to come for which. Browse the calendar →