Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is not just a religious city but the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of India. Its ghats, temples, narrow lanes and waves of the Ganges hold countless stories. The life of Kashi is so deeply connected with festivals and fairs that every season, every month and every occasion takes the form of some festival here.
This is the specialty of Kashi that religious traditions and folk culture come together here to create a unique festive atmosphere. Be it a boat trip, the echo of folk songs or the ocean of lamps in the temples – every festival here gives a feeling of extraordinary experience from the ordinary.
Let us know about the major festivals and fairs of Kashi, seeing which not only the splendor of Indian culture is understood, but the feeling of devotion, joy and unity also deepens in life.
Burhva Mangala – A unique ending to Holi
When the fun of Holi colours starts to subside, Kashi welcomes another wonderful festival – Burhva Mangal. The first Tuesday after Holi, when a gap of five days has passed, is celebrated as this festival.
In this tradition, which has been going on since the 16th century, dry colours are played on decorated barges and boats on the Ganga. There is an echo of music, drums, nagadas and folk songs all around. Especially Kajri songs, which are considered a symbol of this season, are the soul of this festival.
History tells that in 1735, the governor of Banaras, Mir Rustam Ali, gave it an organised form and later Raja Chet Singh also patronised it. At one time, boats were decorated with flags, carpets and even chandeliers in this festival. The banks of the Ganga, especially from Assi to Panchganga, became a floating music festival.
Although this festival stopped after 1922, it was revived in 1994 with the efforts of the citizens. Today this festival tells that the cultural flow of Kashi never stops even after the ravages of time.
Chaitra Navratri and Durgakund Fair
Chaitra Navratri, i.e. the nine nights of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month (March–April), is a festival of worship of Goddess Gauri. It is also considered the beginning of the New Year.
On the first day, Kalash is installed in every house and then the goddess is worshipped for nine days. During this time in Kashi, the circumambulation of nine temples of Gauri Devi holds special importance. In the evening, bhajans and kirtans and group musical programs outside the temples fill the atmosphere with devotion.
During this time, the Durgakund Fair is the center of attraction for the people of Kashi and devotees. Special aartis are performed in the temples and devotees reach in large numbers for darshan.
Samvatsara – Welcoming Vikram Samvat
The new year Vikram Samvat begins on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. In Kashi, it is celebrated as a special festival at Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
This event is organized with the cooperation of many religious trusts and social organizations. It includes cultural programs, dance, music, religious discourses and seminars. For the last few years, the Uttar Pradesh government has also been actively participating in it, which has made this event more grand.
Although government participation has given it the form of a big festival, many people believe that this is weakening its traditional soul a bit. Still, this festival reflects the cultural vibrancy of Kashi.
Ram Navami – Ram Katha Shobha Yatra floating on the Ganges
The last day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami. This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
The most prominent place of Ram Navami in Kashi is Ram Ghat, where devotees take bath in Ganga and then worship in the nearby Rameshwar Shiva temple. The atmosphere of devotion is at its peak amidst the sound of drums and conches in the temples.
A unique tradition started here from 1987 – Ram Katha Mandakini Shobha Yatra. In this, about twenty decorated boats come out, on which scenes from the stories of Ramayana are presented. This procession starts from Assi Ghat and goes to Rajghat and stops at Rajendra Prasad Ghat in between. Seeing these scenes floating on the waves of Ganga, it seems as if Treta Yuga has come alive.
Specialty of festivals of Kashi
All these festivals and fairs of Kashi are not only a symbol of religious faith, but also indicate folk culture, art, music and social unity.
- Ganga becomes a witness to every festival here.
- Boats and folk songs are the identity of this city.
- Music and dance make these festivals a unique amalgamation of devotion and celebration.
- Every festival of Kashi tells us that religion and culture are not just traditions but a way of life.
Conclusion
The fairs and festivals of Kashi are a valuable experience not only for the city dwellers but also for every traveler who wants to understand the depths of Indian culture.
Be it the colourful boat festival of Burhwa Mangal, the goddess devotion of Chaitra Navratri, the cultural event of Samvatsar or the floating procession on the Ganga on Ram Navami – all these make Kashi alive.
The cultural soul of Kashi teaches every visitor that life is not just about living but about turning it into a celebration through festivals and fairs.
