Holi in Varanasi is a distinctive 6-day celebration that begins with Rangbhari Ekadashi, which features a unique and sacred ‘Masan Holi’ at Manikarnika & Harishchandra Ghats, where devotees play Holi with burning ashes. These festivities symbolize Lord Shiva’s connection to life, death, and purification. The celebrations continue across Varanasi with music, dance, and colors, and the biggest crowd gathers at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
If you are planning to be a part of the Holi in Varanasi 2026 celebrations, then get ready for a surreal experience. Refer to WanderOn ultimate guide covering complete details about the Holi celebration in Varanasi, from events, timings, and best vantage points to special highlights, schedules, and much more.
- Varanasi Holi Dates 2026: March 04, 2026
- Best Places to Experience Varanasi Holi 2026: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu Varanasi, & Streets of Varanasi
For more information: kashi.gov.in
Why is Holi in Varanasi so special?
The Holi festival is celebrated across India, but Varanasi Holi holds immense charm as it is a complete blend of divine rituals and old traditions.
- Celebration of Devotion & Colors: Holi in Varanasi is not just limited to throwing colors but is also about the divine and soulful atmosphere that starts with prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where devotees seek blessings before stepping into the celebrations. Here the sound of "Har Har Mahadev" in the air merges devotion with festivity.
- Ghats That Are Coming Alive: Standing on the ghats of the Ganges, watching a huge crowd playing Holi as the river flows calmly beside them, is a sight to behold. The celebration here feels like a divine orchestra.
- Music That Touches the Soul: Varanasi is also known as the home to some of India’s greatest classical musicians, and during Holi the sound of bhajans and folk sangeet blends in the air, which offers a unique experience that touches your heart and soul.
- Bhang & Banarasi Festivities: The traditional drink of Holi, Bhang Thandai, is an experience in itself. Tasting Bhang during Varanasi Holi adds an authentic touch to the festival; it is made up of a mix of milk, nuts, and local herbs.
How to Reach Varanasi for Holi?
Are you wondering how to get to Varanasi for Holi? Then you should note that Varanasi is easily accessible by air, train, and even road for Holi, with major celebrations at the ghats. The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport has regular domestic flights, while Banaras (BSBS) and Varanasi Junction (BSB) stations connect to major cities. It is always recommended to book transportation and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
By Air: Domestic flights available to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and various major cities
By Train: Banaras (BSB), Varanasi Junctions (VNS), & Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU); major railway stations with nationwide connectivity
By Road: Well connected by highways, with private taxis and buses available, Uber services are also accessible for local transport
Pro-Tip: Consider taking a private car or auto-rickshaw for local travel during Holi in Varanasi celebrations; it's easy to navigate the bustling, color-filled streets, particularly near the ghats.
Best Holi Events in Varanasi
Here’s a list of the best Holi events in Varanasi 2026; the festivities here unfold in its most authentic and vibrant form:
1. Rangbhari Ekadashi—Spiritual Beginning of Holi in Varanasi
Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the ceremonial start of Holi in Banaras; it sets the tone for the entire Holi festival in Varanasi. Rooted in Shaivite tradition, this day celebrated Lord Shiva’s return back to Kashi with Goddess Parvati, welcomed with devotion and gulal. Unlike Braj traditions, Holi in Banaras starts with a ritual procession rather than street chaos, making this celebration spiritually significant and culturally exclusive to Kashi.
- Where: Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Old City Route
- When: February 26, 2026
- Timings: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Extreme
- Best Vantage Points: Vishwanath Gali entries, Dashashwamedh stretch
- Who It’s For: Pilgrims, culture travelers
2. Masan Ki Holi Varanasi—Most Intense Holi Event in Varanasi
Masan ki Holi Varanasi is amongst the most intense and symbolic forms of Holi in Varanasi, celebrated at cremation grounds to honor Shiva as the lord of death and life. During this type of Holi, ashes are used instead of colors, which reflects Banaras’ deep connection with moksha. This Holi event in Varanasi is not festive entertainment; it is spiritual rawness and should be witnessed with respect.
- Where: Manikarnika & Harishchandra Ghats
- When: March 03, 2026 (Night)
- Timings: 9:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Crowd Level: Moderate
- Best Vantage Points: Upper steps of Manikarnika ghat (non-cremation side), designated standing areas near dom community zones, elevated ghat platforms (stone terraces), Harishchandra Ghat (peripheral viewing areas)
- Who It’s For: Cultural researchers, serious travelers
3. Main Day Street Holi—Raw Holi Celebration in Varanasi
The main day street celebration defines Holi in Varanasi 2026 for most travelers. Lanes erupt with bhang, drums, gulal, and chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” This is the loudest and most chaotic Holi celebration in Varanasi, especially in old-city areas. Compared to Vrindavan, Varanasi Holi is more aggressive and less structured.
- Where: Godowlia, Chowk, Vishwanath Gali
- When: March 04, 2026
- Timings: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
- Crowd Level: High
- Best Vantage Points: Open grounds, temple steps
- Who It’s For: Culture lovers, friends and groups
4. Ghat Holi—Best Places to Play Holi in Varanasi Along the Ganga
Ghat Holi is a visually rich yet a little controlled version of Holi in Banaras, making it amongst the best places to play Holi in Varanasi. Locals gather here for music, dance, and colors, with the Ganga forming a dramatic backdrop. This type of event is perfect for first-time visitors to Holi in Varanasi 2026.
- Where: Assi Ghat Holi Varanasi & Dashashwamedh Ghat Holi
- When: March 04, 2026
- Timings: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
- Crowd Level: High
- Best Vantage Points: Upper ghat steps, river-facing platforms near Assi Sangam
- Who It’s For: Photographers, families, cultural explorers
5. Temple Holi: The Sacred Side of Varanasi Holi
Temple rituals show the discipline side of Holi in Varanasi, where colors are not thrown but offered playfully and symbolically. This type of Holi festival in Varanasi puts emphasis on bhajans and aartis, appealing to tourists who prefer a calm and spiritual vibe rather than chaotic and extreme street celebrations.
- Where: Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan Temple
- When: February 26-March 04, 2026
- Timings: Morning & evening rituals
- Crowd Level: Moderate
- Best Vantage Points: Outer courtyards, designated standing areas in tenplex complexes; avoid inner sanctum congestion
- Who It’s For: Families, spiritual seekers, culture lovers
6. Mohalla Holi—Local Holi in Banaras Neighbourhoods
Mohalla Holi reflects everyday life during Holi in Banaras, where residents celebrate within their communities. The Holi event in Varanasi expects cultural sensitivity and is welcoming. It's amongst the best places to play Holi in Varanasi if you want authentic interaction rather than spectacle.
- Where: Bhelupur, Lanka, Sigra
- When: March 04, 2026
- Timings: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Moderate
- Best Vantage Points: Open residential courtyards, street corners, never enclosed dead-end lanes
- Who It’s For: Slow travelers, long-stay visitors
7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)—Youth Campus Celebration
If you want to witness how the younger generation celebrated Holi, then you should head to BHU. During Holi in Varanasi, the campus turns into a massive celebration with music, dance, and high-energy color play.
- Where: BHU Campus
- When: March 04, 2026
- Timings: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Very High
- Best Vantage Points: Campus lawns, wide open courtyards
- Who It’s For: Students, festival enthusiasts, youth travelers
How to Celebrate Holi in Varanasi: Must-Follow Travel Tips
Holi is a festival of joy and love, and to truly enjoy it in Varanasi, keep a few pointers in mind that will make your overall experience unforgettable:
- Know About Timings: It is advisable to know the timings in advance of all Holi events to enjoy most of it
- Wear the Right Clothes: Choose old white cotton clothes that reflect all colors gracefully. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics as they may get uncomfortable in the sun
- Stay Hydrated and Energized: It is always recommended to stay hydrated with drinking water, juices, and even a little Thandai that will keep you active even after a lots of movement, singing, and dancing
- Secure Your Essentials: Carry only what you require, a waterproof pouch for your phone, and a small amount of cash. Avoid carrying valuable stuff, especially gold jewelry.
- Respect Traditions: Be watchful while applying colors to strangers & always respect personal boundaries. Masan Holi is deeply religious, intense, and nontraditional, so be mindful and always take permission before photographing rituals or devotees
- Choose Herbal Colors: Use organic gulal made up of flowers and herbs; these natural colors are safe on skin
Must-Try Food in Varanasi During Holi
Holi in Varanasi is incomplete without food, as at this time iconic dishes like fragrant Thandai (often with bhang), crispy Gujiya, tangy tamatar chaat, kachori subzi, and creamy Malaiyo are served. These dishes can be tried at popular spots like Kashi Chat Bhandar and local milk vendors in the streets.
- Bhang Thandai: Legendary milk-based drink infused with nuts, saffron, spices, often mixed with bhang to mark the festival
- Malaiyo (Makhan Malai): Fluffy, delicate, air-like milk foam served in earthen pots, available during spring and winter season
- Tamatar Chaat: Tangy, spicy, street food made with mashed potatoes and served in kulhad (earthen cup)
- Kachori Sabzi: Lentil-stuffed pastries served with spicy potato curry, staple deep-fried breakfast option
- Rabri Jalebi: Rich, sweetened condensed milk rabri with crispy hot jalebis
- Lassi: Thick yogurt drink served in kulhad with a layer of cream
Recommended Places to Try
- Kashi Chat Bhandar: Famous for Tamatar chaat, various savoury snacks
- Blue Lassi Shop: Wide variety of lassi flavours
- Local Street Vendors near Godowlia: Ideal for fiding fresh Malaiyo & hot kachris in morining
Final Thoughts on Experiencing Holi in Varanasi
Holi in Varanasi is not just a single event but a six-day-long fiesta full of colors, devotion, chaos, philosophy, and community. Unlike various other locations, Holi in Varanasi is like a spiritual expression rooted in Shiva worship, life and death symbolism, and local traditions.
From the ritualistic start of Rangbhari Ekadashi to the raw and intense celebration of Masan ki Holi an energetic street celebration, every moment here reflects the city’s unique character.
Holi in Varanasi 2026 requires respect, preparation, and awareness, but for those who attend it respectfully, it offers a rare and unforgettable experience.
