Holi in Varanasi is a week-long celebration that transforms the holy city into a riot of colors. The ancient lanes come alive with music, dance, and the spirit of divine love between Radha and Krishna.
Key Takeaways
- How Varanasi Celebrates Holi
- Food and Music During Holi
How Varanasi Celebrates Holi
The main day of Holi in Varanasi starts with colors and water at the ghats in the morning. By afternoon, the entire city is covered in gulal and everyone joins in the celebration.
Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, hosts the famous "Samrat Holi" where hundreds of people play with colors in the temple courtyard.
Morning Colors
Start your day at the ghats with natural gulal and rose water.
Temple Holi
Visit Sankat Mochan for the famous temple Holi celebration.
Evening Celebrations
Lanes around Vishwanath Gali come alive with music and dance.
Food and Music During Holi
Holi in Varanasi is incomplete without thandai — a spiced milk drink infused with saffron and nuts. Sweet shops overflow with gujiya and other festive delicacies.
Thandai
Try the famous Banarasi thandai from shops near Dashashwamedh.
Gujiya
Sweet dumplings filled with dried fruits and khoya.
Bhang Thandai
Available at licensed shops. Consume responsibly and in moderation.
Quick Tips
Holi falls in March. Visit Sankat Mochan Temple for the main celebration. Try thandai and gujiya. Wear old clothes. Protect your skin with coconut oil beforehand. Start at the ghats in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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