Varanasi Travel Guide

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Fairs & Festivals

Buddh Purnima: Sarnath (May)
Celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha, this festival is celebrated with gaiety and rare abandon. A large fair is held at Sarnath and the relics of the Buddha are taken out for a public display on a procession, on this day.

Bharat Milap (Oct - Nov), at Nati Imli
Celebrating Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and His reunion with His brother Bharat, the festival is held one day following Dussehra. Attended by the Kashi Naresh resplendent in regal finery, the festival attracts at least a million devotees.

The unique Ramlila of Ramnagar
This world renowned Ram Lila has been based on Goswami Tulsidas's 'Ramcharitmanas' and one can see a live demonstration of ancient rituals. A month long feast for the tourists. Ramlila is performed in the form of Ram Janmotsav, Dhanush Bhang, Surpnakha Nasika Chedan etc. at various places.

Dhrupad Mela March
A 5-day musical festival of Dhrupad is performed by renowned artistes at Tulsi Ghat. It is very popular among foreign tourists.

Hanumat Jayanti Janmotsav
Hanuman Jayanti Janmotsav of Lord Hanuman is celebrated at Sankat Mochan Temple for 5 days with cultural and musical programmes by artistes from all over India. It is based on Saraswati, Ram and Krishna Lila and Hanuman Charitra.

Nakkatyya - Chetganj
Showing a story from Ramayan in which Surpnakha - the sister of Ravan comes to entice Ram and then Lakshman. But Lakshman cuts her nose and she goes back crying. This act is enacted on this day in a beautiful way, a stage-play that attracts people in thousands. Also on this occasion many beautifully decorated "Lag" are taken out throughout the night.

Nag Nathaiya
In a performance, Lord Krishna jumps into Ganga for Nag Nathan at the local Tulsi Ghat. It is famous as Nag Nathaiya. The whole city comes together to see this event.

Mahashivratri
On this day every Shiv Mandir in decorated. In Varanasi a marriage procession of Lord Shiv is taken out starting from Mahamritunjaya temple, Daranagar to Kashi Vishwanath temple via chowk. Round 50,000 - 60,000 people gather to see this event.

Panch Koshi Parikrama
It has a special importance in the ancient Parikramas of India, starting and finishing at Manikarnika Ghat. Each parikrama passes through 5 places : Kardmeshwar, Bhimchani, Rameshwar, Shivpur and Kapildhara.


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