Festivals in Banaras: Celebrating Culture with Color
Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is more than just the spiritual capital of India — it’s a city where culture, tradition, and festivity blend into a colorful symphony. Festivals in Banaras With every passing month, the streets of Banaras burst into life with vibrant festivals that reflect the city’s ancient heritage and deep-rooted devotion.
In this blog, we explore the top Festivals in Banaras, their unique rituals, and why every traveler must experience them.
Why Banaras is Called the City of Festivals
Banaras holds a sacred space in Hindu mythology and Indian history. With its ancient temples, holy Ganga Ghats, and spiritual energy, the city becomes a colorful canvas of devotion during festivals. People from across the world visit to witness the grandeur, lights, music, and rituals that make Banaras unforgettable.
1. Dev Deepawali – Banaras's Own Festival of Lights
Dev Deepawali is celebrated fifteen days after Diwali. The ghats of Varanasi, especially Dashashwamedh Ghat, are illuminated with millions of diyas (lamps). The reflection of lights in the Ganga River creates a heavenly view.
2. Mahashivratri – Worship of the Divine Lord Shiva
Varanasi is known as the city of Lord Shiva, and Mahashivratri is one of the biggest celebrations here. Devotees fast, chant prayers, and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in large numbers. The entire city echoes with “Har Har Mahadev.”
3. Holi – The Festival of Colors in Banaras Style
Holi in Banaras is not just about colors, it’s about tradition, laughter, and celebration. The festival starts with Holika Dahan and is followed by a riot of colors in the streets of the city. Locals, tourists, and students celebrate together, spreading joy and unity.
4. Nag Nathaiya – A Theatrical Tradition on the Ganga
One of the most unique festivals in Banaras, Nag Nathaiya marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Kaliya Naag (serpent). It is reenacted on the banks of the river at Tulsi Ghat, with a boy dressed as Krishna diving into the Ganga to kill the serpent.
5. Durga Puja & Dussehra – Artistic Grandeur and Divine Energy
Although Kolkata is famous for Durga Puja, Banaras’s celebration is equally majestic. Huge pandals, clay idols, music, and rituals attract locals and visitors alike. Dussehra sees dramatic Ramleela performances and the burning of Ravana effigies.
6. Makar Sankranti – A Festival of Kites and Ganga Snan
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with kite flying, taking holy dips in the Ganga River, and preparing til-gud sweets. The sky of Banaras turns into a colorful mosaic with thousands of kites battling for dominance.
Final Thoughts
Banaras is not just a destination — it’s an emotion, especially during its festivals. From the spiritual resonance of Mahashivratri to the joyful chaos of Holi and the divine beauty of Dev Deepawali, each festival brings a unique flavor to the city.
Whether you are a traveler, culture lover, or photographer, visiting Banaras during festival time will gift you memories that last a lifetime.