How is Mahashivratri celebrated in Kashi?
Mahashivratri, the great night of Shiva, is Kashi Vishwanath's biggest festival. Devotees fast, keep vigil and queue through the night, and the temple typically follows an extended schedule with worship in each quarter (prahar) of the night. A festive Shiv Baraat — Shiva's wedding procession — winds through the city. Mahashivratri 2027 falls on 6 March.
When it falls
- Usually
- February–March
- Calendar basis
- Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna (purnimanta calendar)
- Upcoming date
- 6 March (2027)
On this page
Meaning
In Kashi
- Night-long worship. The temple typically stays open through the night with special worship in each of the four quarters (prahar) of the night. Exact arrangements are announced by the temple administration each year.
- Shiv Baraat. A colourful wedding procession for Shiva, with music and costumed devotees, passes through the city.
- Every Shiva shrine in Kashi, from Tilbhandeshwar to the smallest lane shrine, is crowded with devotees.
Tips
- Expect very long queues; go with patience, water and a plan to meet your group.
- Stay within walking distance of the temple.
- Consider taking darshan at other Shiva temples if the main queue is overwhelming.
- Book any official services as early as possible, and expect some to be suspended.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mahashivratri 2027?
6 March 2027, according to Drik Panchang for Varanasi.
Is Kashi Vishwanath open all night on Mahashivratri?
The temple typically follows an extended schedule through the night. Exact timings are announced by the temple administration each year.
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
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — official web portal (opens in a new tab)
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust — Official temple source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- SawanSawan (Shravan) at Kashi Vishwanath: why the month is sacred to Shiva, Sawan Mondays, kanwariyas, crowd arrangements, suspended services and practical tips.
- Temple TimingsCheck the latest Kashi Vishwanath Temple timings, darshan schedule, aarti timings and practical tips for planning your visit to Varanasi.
- RudrabhishekRudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath: the meaning of the ritual, the Sri Rudram hymn, what happens during the pooja, typical duration and how to book officially.
- Queue & CrowdsHow long does Kashi Vishwanath darshan take? Crowd patterns by hour, weekday and season, the busiest days of the year and how to plan around the queue.
- FestivalsKashi's great festivals — Mahashivratri, Sawan, Dev Deepawali, Holi, Diwali, Navratri and Makar Sankranti — what happens, when they fall and how to plan.
- Festival CalendarA calendar of Kashi's main festivals with their lunar basis, the months they usually fall in and upcoming dates we have verified. Updated annually.