Which festivals are celebrated at Varanasi?
Varanasi is a land of festivals. Everyday looks like a festival in Varanasi because of a large number of devotees here. In this read, we bring to you the festivals which are unique in Varanasi. If you are planning to visit Varanasi, check out if these festivals fall in your calendar and accordingly you can schedule.
Dev Deepavali
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Dev Deepavali is celebrated 15 days after the Diwali festival. People believe that on this day, the Gods descended on the earth to take bath in holy Ganges river. The ghats are lit with earthen lamps on this day and special evening Ganga aarti is performed. The sight of the ghats on this day is mesmerising, as the entire place is lit with lamps and their reflection on the river personifies it.
Nag Nathaiya
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This is an important festival in Varanasi. On this day, people recreate an episode from lord Krishna’s life, when he fought with a giant snake Kalia and won over him. This festival falls in the month of November and/or December every year.
Maha Shivratri
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This is a festival of Lord Shiva. The Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi has an all round different aura on this day. Special poojan and hawans are offered to lord Shiva. The festival falls in the month of February/March every year.
Ramleela
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According to Hindu calendar, from the time of Navratri (festival of Goddess Durga) till the Dussehra, Ram Leela is staged. People play the roles of the epic characters of Ramayana and the festival finishes on Dussehra by burning the effigy of Ravana.
Holi
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Holi is a vibrant, colorful festival, celebrated in all parts of India. In Varanasi, you can witness the colorful ghats and the sadhus in their typical attire enjoying the festival. Holi festival falls on the full moon day of the Phalgun month according to the Hindu Calendar.
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