Upcoming Events & Festivals in Varanasi

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Varanasi

Varanasi is a prime tourist destination in India and one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the country. It also has many festivals and events that draw large crowds of people every year.

"Dev Deepawali" - a festival celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Purnima

Dev Deepawali is a festival celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, which is the full moon day in the month of Kartik (October/November). It is observed when Hindus celebrate Lord Ganesha as well as Goddess Parvati by performing pooja and rituals at their temple or home.

Dev Deepawali falls on October/November every year.

"Mahashivratri" - a major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva

The Mahashivratri festival is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the month of February/March. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The day marks the arrival of spring, when people celebrate by doing their daily chores such as cleaning homes and gardens.

The festival also marks the beginning of spring for farmers who plant crops or grow flowers and vegetables in preparation for this season. Many people visit Varanasi Temples and pilgrimage sites during this time as part of their worship activities; some offer gifts to deities while others pray for good health or prosperity for themselves or their families

"Ganga Mahotsav" - a festival that celebrates the cultural heritage of Varanasi and its connection

The "Ganga Mahotsav" is a festival that celebrates the cultural heritage of Varanasi and its connection with the river Ganges. It usually takes place in November.

The festival was first held in 2007, but it was discontinued for some years due to lack of funds, but it resumed again in 2012 after being funded by an Indian entrepreneur named Ravi Shankar Prasad who wanted to promote tourism in Varanasi.

"Buddha Purnima" - a festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha

Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May. It is also known as "Buddha Jayanti" or "Gautam Buddha Jayanti". The festival commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.

The major festivals of this festival are:

Mahavira Jayanti - A five-day long event which starts with Mahavira's birthday on Shukla Paksha Dwadashi (13th) and ends on Asvina Purnima (20th). The main activities include visits to shrines, religious ceremonies and performances at sacred places including Sarnath near Varanasi; Bodh Gaya where Buddha attained enlightenment; Kushinagar where he died; Mathura where he performed his last rites before being cremated at Nigamarga located just outside Mathura city limits - all these places attract thousands upon thousands of tourists every year especially during this period!

"Durga Puja" - a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura

Durga Puja is a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is usually celebrated in October.

The celebrations begin with an event called "Pujari" where people from different communities gather together and perform rituals to honor their God or Goddess. The next day, a procession takes place with devotees carrying statues of goddess Durga through town during which they chant prayers for blessings from their deity, who is depicted as riding on an animal such as buffalo or elephant (or both).

"Ramlila" - a dramatic reenactment of the life of Lord Rama

"Ramlila" - a dramatic reenactment of the life of Lord Rama, celebrated during the nine days of Navratri in October.

As part of this festival, Hindus perform an elaborate play based on their belief that Lord Rama was originally born as a human and had to fight Ravana in order to prove his right to rule over Sita, who had been abducted by him. The play depicts how Rama killed Ravana and rescued Sita from captivity, before returning to Ayodhya with her.

"Bharat Milap" - a festival that celebrates the reunion of Lord Rama with his brother Bharat after his return from exile

"Bharat Milap" - a festival that celebrates the reunion of Lord Rama with his brother Bharat after his return from exile. It is usually celebrated in October.

The people of Varanasi celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and love for their beloved city.

"Diwali" - a festival of lights, celebrated in October/November

Diwali is a festival of lights, celebrated in October/November. It signifies the triumph of good over evil, light and color over darkness, love and friendship over hatred.

The story behind this celebration is that Lord Rama defeated Ravana who had kidnapped his wife Sita by shooting an arrow with his bow made out of rubies which were dipped in scented oil (Gauri Asthanam). The defeated Ravana then offered to give back Sita if Rama would spare him but he refused saying that he must return her back only after she has bathed herself thrice with sandalwood paste (Ganga Jamuni Taro) from his mouth (Kunkuma Gaurav).

"Makar Sankranti" - a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn

Makar Sankranti is a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, celebrated in January.

The festival is observed with great enthusiasm by people and animals alike. People get together to share their happiness and joy as they celebrate this auspicious occasion together with their friends and family members

This festival has been celebrated since ancient times when it was believed that on this day Lord Vishnu took Rahu (the demon) along with him when he ascended to heaven after defeating him in battle

"Nag Nathaiya" - a festival that commemorates the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna

The festival of "Nag Nathaiya" is a festival that commemorates the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated in November/December and it's a celebration for joy, happiness and fun. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna who was born on this day at Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva.

"Kartik Poornima" - a festival that marks the end of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik

"Kartik Poornima" - a festival that marks the end of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, celebrated in November with great enthusiasm.

It is usually celebrated in November.

"Chhath Puja" - a festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god

Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god, celebrated in November/December. It is a festival that marks the end of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, celebrated in November with great enthusiasm.

The festivities begin with anointing oneself with holy water and bathing at dawn on Chaitra Sudi (the fifth day after Ashadha Sukla Paksha). Those who wish to perform this ritual must bathe at sunrise on every day until they reach their house. The next day they will offer gifts as an offering to Lord Vishnu before lighting lamps and offering prayers to him throughout the night.

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We hope that you have enjoyed our list of upcoming events and festivals in Varanasi. We invite you to visit this beautiful city and experience the unique culture of the people who live here.