Varanasi is known as the oldest living city in the world. It is also the cultural capital of India. The place became a center for fairs and festivals by virtue of its cultural and religious importance. Festivals are held almost every month. The celebration symbolizes life at its best with the dedication of Varanasi beliefs.
Varanasi is commonly known as Banaras or Banares. The city became the center of learning and civilization over 3,000 years ago. Their culture is closely associated with the religious traditions of the river. It has been the symbol of Hindu renaissance and devotion to the gods. People believed that the Ganges river has the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Therefore, a person who dies in Varanasi would attain freedom and salvation.
Many festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. A large number of foreigners visit the place to witness the importance of each fair.
Bharat Milap at Nati Imli
Bharat Milap is celebrated from October to November. The festival is held on the occasion of the return of Lord Rama (the main protagonist of the Ramayana) to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and his reunion with his brother, Bharat. The festival attracts millions of devotees in a full-day fair after Dussehra. The festival shows the deep love of Lord Rama and Bharat and the victory of good over evil.
Buddha Purnima at Sarnath
Buddha Purnima is held in May to celebrate the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha. This festival connotes the birth and death of the Buddha on a full moon day. The Buddha’s relics are brought to view by the public in procession. Sarnath is the site of the great fair held with rare abandon.
Ramnager’s Ramlila
Ramlila is a month long festival regarding Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsida. Surpnakha Nasika Chedan, Dhanush Bhang and Ram Janmotsav present a live performance of ancient rituals or pantomime. The two performances deal with the story of Lord Rama.
Dhrupad Mela
Dhrupad Mela is held every March. It is a 5-day music festival performed by renowned artists. Tulsi Ghat is a popular place among tourists who come to experience the musical extravaganza.
Hanumat Jayanti Janmotsav
Hanuman Jayanti Janmotsav is celebrated at Sankat Mochan temple. It is a 5-day cultural and musical event by Indian artists. The fair is based on Hanuman Charitra, Saraswati, Ram and Krishna Lila. It commemorates the birth of Hanuman (mythical character).
Nakkatayya and Nah Nathaiya are other festivals in Varanasi that are dedicated to Rama and Lord Krishna.
Nakkatyya – Chetganj
A play showing the story of Ramayan is recreated during this festival. This is a story where his sister Surpnakha insisted on luring Laksman and Ram. Surpnakha’s nose cutting was beautifully depicted on stage. Decorated lags are removed for the occasion.
nag nathaiya
Nag Nathaiya is part of the Krishna Leela ceremony. It is a mythological tradition depicting the life episode of Lord Krishna jumping into the Ganges river for Nag Nathan. The origin of Nag Nathaiya goes back to the Mahabharata. The festival is held at Tulsi Ghat during the month of November to December.
mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva where a bridal procession of Lord Shiv is presented from the Mahamritunjaya temple to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Around 50,000 to 60,000 people gather here to watch this much-loved festival. All the temples are decorated and devotees offer milk, songs, bhajans and hymns to create a holy atmosphere.
Other fairs and festivals are Panch Koshi Parikrama and Dev Deepavali (festival of lights). The pure and divine atmosphere of the festivals attracts a lot of people. The blessed city of Varanasi captivates many devotees, expressing its cultural tradition.