With over 23,000 temples, Varanasi celebrates festivals nearly every day of the year. Each temple has its own patron deity and associated festival calendar. Here is a guide to the most important temple festivals that define the spiritual rhythm of this ancient city.
Key Takeaways
- January-March
- April-June
- July-September
- October-December
January-March
The year begins with Makar Sankranti (January 14), when thousands take a holy dip in the Ganga. The month of Shravan (July-August) sees the highest temple activity, but even early months have major festivals.
Makar Sankranti
January 14. Holy bath in Ganga. Til and gur distribution at temples.
Basant Panchami
January-February. Saraswati Puja. Yellow clothes worn. Special pujas at Sanskrit schools.
Maha Shivaratri
February-March. The grandest Shiva festival. All-night vigils at Kashi Vishwanath.
April-June
This period includes Ram Navami (March-April), Hanuman Jayanti (April), and the beginning of the monsoon season. The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh falls in this window.
Ram Navami
March-April. Birth of Lord Ram. Special recitations at Ram temples.
Hanuman Jayanti
April. Sankat Mochan Temple hosts the music festival. Special abhishekam.
Ganga Dussehra
May-June. Celebrates the descent of Ganga. Grand aarti at all ghats.
July-September
The Shravan month (July-August) is the most sacred time for Shiva temples. Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, and Krishna Janmashtami also fall in this period.
Shravan Mondays
Special jalabhishekam at all Shiva temples. Thousands queue for darshan.
Nag Panchami
July-August. Snake worship at temples. Special milk offerings.
Krishna Janmashtami
August-September. Birth of Lord Krishna. All-night celebrations at Krishna temples.
October-December
The festive season peaks with Navratras (September-October), Dussehra, Diwali, and culminates with Dev Deepawali on Kartik Purnima. This is the busiest period for temples.
Navratras
September-October. Nine nights of Goddess worship. Ram Lila performances.
Diwali
October-November. Festival of lights. Kashi Vishwanath decorated with thousands of lamps.
Dev Deepawali
Kartik Purnima (Nov-Dec). Million diyas on ghats. The most spectacular night.
Quick Tips
Varanasi has temple festivals year-round. Key ones: Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar), Sankat Mochan Music Festival (Apr-May), Ganga Dussehra (May-Jun), Shravan Mondays (Jul-Aug), Navratras (Sep-Oct), Dev Deepawali (Nov-Dec).
Frequently Asked Questions
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