How is Holi celebrated in Varanasi?
In Kashi, Holi begins days early with Rangbhari Ekadashi, when coloured powder is offered to Kashi Vishwanath in a festive procession. A tradition of Masan Holi, played with ashes at the cremation ghats, follows. Holika Dahan bonfires on the full-moon night precede the main day of colours. Expect exuberant, sometimes rowdy, crowds.
When it falls
- Usually
- March
- Calendar basis
- Phalguna Purnima (Holika Dahan) and the following day
- Upcoming date
- Not yet confirmed by us — check a reliable panchang or official announcements.
On this page
Rangbhari Ekadashi
Masan Holi
A distinctive Kashi tradition holds a Holi played with ashes (masan — cremation ground) at Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats, celebrating Shiva as lord of the cremation ground. It has become a large public event in recent years.
Holika Dahan and the day of colours
Bonfires on the full-moon night recall the story of Prahlad and Holika. The next day, colour fills the streets and ghats.
Tips
- Wear old clothes and protect your eyes, phone and camera.
- Thandai is often served with bhang; ask for plain thandai if you don't want it.
- Solo women travellers may prefer to celebrate with a group or at their hotel.
- Temple darshan is very crowded around Rangbhari Ekadashi.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi 2027?
Published calendars differ by a day for 2027, so we haven't listed a date yet. Check a reliable panchang for Varanasi.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Drik Panchang — Hindu festival dates for Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Drik Panchang — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Banaras: City of Light — Diana L. Eck (Knopf, 1982; Columbia University Press reprint) (opens in a new tab)
Columbia University Press — Scholarly source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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