How is Navratri celebrated in Varanasi?
During Navratri, many Kashi devotees follow a tradition of visiting a different goddess shrine each of the nine days. The Durga Temple at Durgakund is thronged, Bengali-style Durga Puja pandals appear across the city, and the famous Ramlila of Ramnagar is staged in the same season. Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October.
When it falls
- Usually
- September–October (Sharad) and March–April (Chaitra)
- Calendar basis
- Shukla Pratipada to Navami of Ashvin (Sharad) and of Chaitra
- Upcoming date
- 11 October (Sharad Navratri begins) (2026)
On this page
Nine goddesses of Kashi
In the city
- Durga Temple at Durgakund draws large crowds.
- Durga Puja pandals — Varanasi's large Bengali community has celebrated Durga Puja for generations.
- Ramnagar Ramlila — the month-long Ramlila staged across Ramnagar, patronised by the royal family of Banaras, reaches its climax around Dussehra.
Tips
Temples and pandals are busiest in the evenings of the last four days. Traffic diversions are common.
Frequently asked questions
When is Navratri 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October, according to published panchangs.
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
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government 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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