Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanath. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India. Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Five sacred rituals that mark the rhythm of each day in the eternal city
The first ritual of the day, performed in the serene stillness of early morning. Priests awaken Lord Shiva with Vedic mantras, conch shells, and bells. Lamps are lit and waved in choreographed patterns, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and ignorance.
An expression of gratitude through offering food. Traditional dishes are ceremoniously presented to Lord Shiva, later distributed as prasadam. The ritual connects devotion with the sacred act of nourishment.
Pays homage to the seven great sages. As dusk falls, priests chant ancient hymns with drums and bells while large brass lamps are moved in sweeping circles — a deeply moving and transformative experience.
Celebrates the beauty of Lord Shiva. The deity is elaborately decorated with flowers, jewelry, garments, and sandalwood paste. The sanctum fills with fragrance and light — the most visually enchanting ceremony of the day.
Lord Shiva is symbolically prepared for rest with lullaby-like hymns and gentle lamp waves. The calm, meditative atmosphere signifies rest, peace, and protection — the most intimate aarti of the day.
Gratitude & the Gift of Food · Fourth day of Diwali
The Annakut festival of Varanasi is a Hindu celebration observed on the fourth day of Diwali, dedicated to expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food. This auspicious occasion revolves around offering prayers to Goddess Annapurna and presenting her with various food items. The offerings are later distributed to the underprivileged and needy individuals.
The festival is marked with grandeur in Varanasi, where the Annapurna Mandir is adorned with resplendent flowers and radiant lights. According to mythology, this day commemorates Lord Krishna's act of lifting the Govardhan Hill. Various delicacies made from gram flour and rice are prevalent, and engaging drama recitals narrating the childhood stories of Lord Krishna are a common sight during the festivities.
The Annakut festival in Varanasi is a cherished celebration that embodies gratitude, compassion, and the joy of sharing — with a focus on paying homage to Goddess Annapurna and honoring Lord Krishna. Annakut is organised by Local Authority.
The Great Night of Shiva · Month of Phalguna
No words can truly capture the exuberance, the joyous revelry, and the deep devotion that fill Varanasi on Mahashivratri — the divine night when Lord Shiva marries Devi Parvati, symbolizing the sacred union of Shiva and Shakti, the cosmic energies of creation.
A central highlight is the Shiv Baraat, the royal wedding procession of Lord Shiva. Several processions are organized across the city, each attended by countless devotees. The air reverberates with marching bands, conch shells, bells, cymbals, and drums, adding to the joyous chaos.
As night falls, hundreds of thousands of barefoot pilgrims undertake the epic Panchkroshi Parikrama. Chanting "Har-Har Bam-Bam," they run tirelessly. Mahashivratri in Varanasi is not merely a festival — it is an unparalleled celebration of devotion, culture, and the city's living heritage.
The Eleventh Day Full of Colours · Phalguna Ekadashi
The eleventh day of the waxing moon in Phalguna is especially significant for Varanasi. According to legend, this is the day when Lord Shiva first entered Varanasi with Devi Parvati. Lord Shiva chose Varanasi as their abode, settling in the Kedar Khanda. This day is celebrated as Rang Bhari Ekadashi — "the eleventh day full of colors."
Residents smear colored powders such as kumkum and abeer on Shivlings across the city. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple welcomes over two hundred thousand devotees. Idols of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati are ceremonially brought to the temple by volunteers playing the damru.
The day following is equally remarkable — Holi at Manikarnika Ghat played with colors, sandalwood, and the ashes of the dead. The ashes blur the duality between life and death, affirming that divinity is present in both — the true essence of the eternal city of Varanasi.
