Mahashivratri at Varanasi
The night of Shiva on the Kashi ghats
Significance
Celebrates the cosmic dance of Shiva (Tandava) and the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Varanasi, the city of Shiva, sees its deepest crowds of the year.
The holiest night for Shiva devotees. The Kashi Vishwanath temple stays open for 24 hours; sadhus from across India descend on the ghats; the four-watch night puja culminates at dawn with a Ganga dip.
First-time visitor
Attend the evening Ganga aarti, join the midnight jagran, catch the dawn bathing on Day 2.
What to see
- All-night jagran (vigil) at Kashi Vishwanath
- Four prahar pujas through the night
- Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Sadhu processions through Manikarnika
Festival foods
Best for
Travel tips
- 1The Vishwanath corridor queue is 6+ hours — go at 2 AM
- 2Stay in the old city, not the cantonment
- 3Carry a scarf — the ghats are wind-blown at night
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Varanasi Ghats
Uttar Pradesh
Long terraces of stone-slab steps drop down the Ganga bank. Pilgrims gather at dawn and dusk for ritual ablutions.
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Questions & Answers
About Mahashivratri at Varanasi
Mahashivratri at Varanasi 2027 is scheduled for 6 Mar 2027. That's 265 days from today.
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