Diwali in Varanasi is not only famous for the decoration of houses and lighting of lamps, but also for the “Dev Deepawali” held on the Ganga Ghats. Celebrated on Kartik Purnima, this festival gives devotees a spiritual bliss with Ganga Aarti, lighting of millions of lamps, and cultural programs. It is believed that the Gods themselves come to bathe in the Ganga on this day. The grand decoration of the Ganga Ghats, fireworks and the crowd of devotees make it unique.
This festival is celebrated to commemorate the descent of the river Ganga on earth. This day is celebrated with special reverence and religious fervor in Varanasi. Devotees take a bath in the Ganga and believe that it destroys all their sins. Yagya, Aarti and special pujas are performed on the Ghats. The significance of Ganga Dussehra is also that it is a festival to express gratitude to Mother Ganga and shows the sanctity and importance of Ganga.
Holi in Varanasi, especially “Lathmar Holi” and “Bhang ki Holi”, is celebrated in a very unique way. Holi here lasts for a week, which is a combination of music, dance, colors and thandai. Bhang mixed prasad is distributed especially at Assi Ghat and Lord Shiva temples. Holi here has become a cultural festival, in which foreign tourists along with local residents participate in large numbers.
In the month of Shravan, Varanasi’s atmosphere filled with Shiva devotion is unique. Thousands of devotees fill water from the Ganges and do Kanwar Yatra to offer it to Baba Vishwanath. Special pujas, bhajans and religious events are held in temples. Every Monday, Kanwariyas queue up for the darshan of Baba Vishwanath. This month is considered a symbol of Shiva devotion, penance and earning virtue.
