This festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi. People take holy dips in the Ganges River and fly kites to celebrate the occasion.

This festival celebrates the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and art. It is celebrated with music, dance, and the wearing of yellow clothes.

A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shivratri is celebrated with great devotion in Varanasi. Temples are decorated, and devotees offer prayers and perform rituals throughout the night.

This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, a major deity in Hinduism. Processions, bhajans (devotional songs), and religious ceremonies take place in Varanasi during this festival.

Celebrated to mark the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (death) of Gautama Buddha, Buddha Purnima is an important festival for Buddhists in Varanasi. Devotees visit Buddhist shrines and offer prayers.

This festival celebrates the descent of the river Ganga to Earth. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Varanasi, with devotees taking holy dips in the river and performing rituals on its banks.

This festival honors spiritual and academic teachers in Hindu culture. It is celebrated with offerings of respect and gratitude to gurus in Varanasi.

A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, Raksha Bandhan is observed with the tying of rakhi (sacred thread) and the exchange of gifts in Varanasi.

A period of remembrance for ancestors, Pitru Paksha is observed with rituals and ceremonies in Varanasi. Families offer food and water to their ancestors during this time.

The festival of lights, Diwali is a major celebration in Varanasi. The city is illuminated with diyas (earthen lamps), fireworks light up the sky, and prayers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi.

Also known as Dev Deepawali, this festival marks the victory of Lord Shiva over demons. Varanasi is lit up with thousands of diyas, and religious ceremonies are held along the ghats.

Although a Christian festival, Christmas is celebrated in Varanasi with decorations, carol singing, and festive cheer, especially in areas with a significant Christian population.