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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