Lolark Chhath 2026: Why Thousands Gather at Varanasi's Ancient Lolark Kund
Every year in the month of Bhadrapada, a quiet corner of Varanasi near Tulsi Ghat transforms into one of the city's most moving spectacles. Lolark Kund, a deep stepped tank believed to be among the oldest sacred sites in Kashi, draws tens of thousands of devotees for Lolark Chhath, also known as Lolark Shashthi. This year the festival falls this week, and preparations around the kund and the Assi–Tulsi Ghat stretch are already in full swing. Lolark Kund is counted among the principal Surya tirthas of Kashi. The name itself means "trembling sun," and tradition holds that the sun's rays once fell here with special intensity. Devotees worship Lolark Aditya, a form of the sun god, and the ritual bath in the kund on Shashthi is regarded as deeply auspicious. Many couples arrive with the wish for a child, while families who have been blessed return to offer thanks. The customs are distinctive. Couples typically descend the steep steps together, take a dip while holding hands, and leave behind old clothes as a symbol of shedding the past. Pilgrims also offer a fruit or vegetable at the kund and vow never to eat it again, a small lifelong sacrifice in gratitude. The queues often begin the night before, with devotees from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and beyond camping in the lanes around Bhadaini. For visitors, Lolark Chhath offers a rare glimpse of living folk tradition that coexists with the more famous Ganga Aarti and Kashi Vishwanath darshan. The nearby akharas, including the historic Tulsi Ghat wrestling grounds, add to the festive atmosphere. If you are in Varanasi this week, an early morning walk from Assi Ghat towards Lolark Kund is well worth the effort.
Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources:
