When Kashi Turns into a Festival Ground
If you’ve never seen Banaras during the Rathyatra Mela, you haven’t seen the city at its most alive. Once a year, our spiritual city transforms into a living carnival of faith, festivity, and color.
The streets of Varanasi echo with devotional chants, the rumble of wooden chariot wheels, children’s laughter, ferris wheels, and street food smells that’ll make you skip dinner. This isn’t just a religious event — it’s Kashi’s celebration of life.
What is Rathyatra Mela?
Rathyatra Mela Varanasi is the vibrant fair held every year alongside the grand Rath Yatra procession of Lord Jagannath in Varanasi. While the Rath Yatra is about tradition and faith, the mela (fair) brings people together — families, foodies, shopaholics, tourists, and photographers — all under the same sky.
It combines the divine energy of the chariot festival with the local Banarasi fairground vibe, featuring:
Amusement rides (giant wheels, mini trains, slides)
Local and handmade goods
Toy stalls, street snacks, and desi sweets
Bhajan mandalis and live folk performances
Temporary temples and spiritual talks
When is Rathyatra Mela 2025?
🗓 Date: Sunday, 27 June 2025
🕗 Time: Full day; procession begins in afternoon
📍 Main Area: Lahurabir Ground, Maidagin, Jagannath Temple Area
The mela starts early in the morning and continues till late at night, especially in the Lahurabir and Maidagin stretch. The entire zone lights up with decorated stalls, music, spiritual stages, and a sea of people.
The Spiritual Start: Rath Yatra in Kashi
The Jagannath Rath Yatra begins from Jagannath Temple near Bada Ganesh Mandir. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out in a grand wooden chariot, pulled by devotees.
As the chariot moves through Lahurabir, Maidagin, Godaulia, the crowd grows, and so does the energy. Locals throw flowers, sing bhajans, and welcome the Lord into their hearts and homes.
And as the chariot moves — the Mela unfolds all around it.
What to See & Do at the Rathyatra Mela Varanasi
Here’s what makes the Rathyatra Mela truly magical:
🎢 1. Fun Rides for All Ages
From Ferris wheels to mini trains and magic shows — it’s a full carnival experience for kids and families.
🧸 2. Toy & Craft Stalls
Banarasi wooden toys, balloons, flutes, and handmade goodies — perfect souvenirs or gifts.
🍛 3. Street Food Paradise
Try kachori-sabzi, chaat, jalebi, kulfi, thandai, paan — all in one lane! Don’t forget a paper plate of malai gilori or rabri-jalebi.
🎤 4. Live Performances
Catch folk singers, bhajan groups, Ramayan nataks, and sometimes even Sufi musicians.
🛍 5. Shopping & Spiritual Goods
You’ll find Rudraksha malas, diyas, brass idols, books, and sacred threads.
Where to Stay in Varanasi During Rathyatra Mela
Varanasi sees a huge footfall during the Yatra weekend, so book in advance. Here’s a guide by budget:
🔹 Budget Options (₹800–₹1500/night):
Zostel Varanasi (Assi)
Stay Banaras (Mahmoorganj)
GoStops Hostel (near Godaulia)
🔹 Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000–₹4000/night):
Hotel Ganges View (Assi Ghat)
Palace on Ganges
Hotel Alka (Dashashwamedh, Ganga view)
🔹 Luxury Stay (₹6000+):
BrijRama Palace (right on the Ghat)
Taj Ganges
Taj Nadesar Palace (for ultimate luxury)
📍 Pro Tip: Stay near Assi, Godaulia, or Maidagin for quick access to the mela and ghat area.
How to Reach for Rathyatra Mela Varanasi
✈️ By Air:
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi Airport)
~ 25 km from city. Cabs & autos available to main areas.🚆 By Train:
Varanasi Junction (BSB) – Main station near Lahurabir
Banaras Station (BSBS) – Closer to Manduadih area
Well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna
🚌 By Road:
Direct buses available from major cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gaya
📍 Traffic Alert: Roads near Lahurabir, Maidagin, and Chowk may be closed or diverted — prefer e-rickshaws, walking, or cycles for easier access.
Final Thoughts: Banaras Mela Hai, Sirf Dekhna Nahi, Mehsoos Karna Hai
You don’t just attend the Rathyatra Mela Varanasi. You become a part of it. It’s not a tourist attraction — it’s an experience written in the hearts of every Banarasi.
The smell of burning incense, the noise of toy sellers, the laughter of children, and the sight of Lord Jagannath being pulled by thousands — it’s a sensory overload of the best kind.
So this 27th June 2025, whether you’re from Varanasi or visiting — come join the celebration. Walk through the fair, chant with the crowd, eat your fill, and let Kashi’s magic melt into your soul.