Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in the country, and the Holi festival in Varanasi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and wild energy that can be seen in almost everyone out there celebrating.
Varanasi Holi festival is celebrated with love, and to meet and greet your loved ones. It is celebrated on different days every year, marking the end of winter and welcoming spring with it. It is celebrated on the day of Phalguna.
One day before the Holi celebration, Holika Dehen takes place, where massive bonfires can be seen, which are burnt in the hope of getting rid of all the evil spirits. The most fascinating part about Holi celebrations is that every region has its own unique way of celebrating the festival, and that is where the beauty of Holi in India lies.
Bhasm Holi or Masaan Holi 2025 is celebrated wildly in the country, commemorating the love of Radha and Krishna, when Krishna painted Radha’s face with colours to match her skin tone with his.
Varanasi Holi festival which includes the standard Holi, Masan ki Holi or the Bhasm Holi, and Rangbhari Ekadashi. The standard Holi celebration in Varanasi aligns with the nationwide celebration of Holi, whereas the Basm Holi and the Ekadashi Holi are different from the standard celebrations.
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Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi Festival In Varanasi
The Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi festival in Varanasi is celebrated five days prior to the Holi festival in Varanasi, which commemorates the holy reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. During this celebration, all the devotees of Lord Shiva come together in a procession, and one day after the Rangbhari Ekadashi, it is said, that Lord Shiva visits the cremation ground, which is known as Masan, with his devotees to take part in the Holi festival in Varanasi, and this unique event during the Holi celebration in Varanasi is called Masan Ki Holi.
Story of Masaan Holi Festival 2025 In Varanasi
Bhasma or Ash is considered highly sacred to Lord Shiva, and as per the mythological legends, on the second day of the Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi in Varanasi, Lord Shiva is accompanied by his Nandi Bael and other entourage to visit the Manikarnika Ghat, where Lord Shiva give blessings to his devotees and plays holi with ash obtained from the pyres, which is said to be a symbol of purification.
As per some beliefs, it is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati celebrated the Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi festival in Varanasi after their marriage. Since Lord Shiva’s most preferred supernatural beings which include vampires, ghosts, and spirits, do not engage in the celebration, Lord Shiva himself visits the Masan Ghat to play Holi with them. This tradition is proof that Lord Shiva loved all beings whether they were visible or invisible.
Holi Festival Dates Varanasi 2025
Holi is scheduled to be held on 14th March 2025 on Friday, so it’s good news for everyone because it’s a long weekend, and you don’t take any leaves; you just need to plan accordingly and you are good to go.
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1. Masan Holi (Bhasma Holi): A unique and spiritual celebration, Masan Holi involves devotees playing Holi with ashes from cremation grounds. In 2025, the festivities commence on March 10, starting at Baba Kinaram Ashram and concluding at Harishchandra Ghat. The main event is scheduled for March 11 at Manikarnika Ghat, beginning at 10 AM from the Mahashamshan Nath Temple.
2. Herbal Holi at Namo Ghat: For a vibrant and eco-friendly experience, the Herbal Holi event offers participants the chance to celebrate with natural colors. Scheduled for March 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM, the event features dance performances by Bollywood celebrities and lively music. Tickets are available through BookMyShow.
3. Holi Spirit 2025 at The Commune: On March 14, 2025, starting at 10 AM, The Commune hosts an event featuring live music, rain dance, mud pool, dhol performances, food, and drinks. It's an excellent opportunity to enjoy a lively atmosphere in the heart of Varanasi.
4. Mirchiplus's 'Holicious 2025' Party: Mirchiplus presents 'Holicious 2025,' a grand Holi celebration featuring music, dance, and vibrant festivities. Details regarding the date and time are yet to be confirmed. Stay updated by following their official Instagram page.
5. Guided Holi Tour with Housity: For a deeper cultural experience, Housity offers a special tour on March 14, 2025, focusing on the spiritual aspects of Holi, including visits to significant sites like Manikarnika Ghat and participation in traditional ceremonies. The tour provides insights into local customs and rituals.
Preparing For Holi Festival In Varanasi
As we mentioned, the Holi festival in Varanasi is wild, and there are certain things you need to be prepared for if you are going to be a part of the Holi Celebration in Varanasi. For starters, do not wear clothes that are too precious for you.
Wear old clothes while playing Holi in Varanasi, so even if they get torn, you don’t have to worry much about it. Here are some handy tips that will be very useful for you if you wish to be a part of the Holi Celebration party in Varanasi:
- If you want to make the most of your Holi festival in Varanasi, head to the celebrations a little early, between 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., when people will be sober and not very wild after getting all high and drunk.
- Assi Ghat is where the Holi celebration party in Varanasi takes place. Ensure that you stay away from big groups because that is where you will find most of the drunk people. Watch them from far away, maintain your distance, and enjoy from a distance.
- Try taking more people with you while heading out so you can ensure the utmost safety for yourself.
- Team up with fellow tourists, and you can even find foreigners celebrating the Holi festival in Varanasi.
- Don’t be scared to tell people to leave you alone if you are uncomfortable, especially if you are a woman.
- Don’t entertain anyone who is bothering you.
- Oil your hair and skin to protect yourself from the harsh colours because sometimes these colours are very difficult to take off, and some may even leave you with rashes, we are sure you don’t want that, right?
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