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Varanasi — host of Maha Shivaratri

Festival · UTTAR PRADESH

Maha Shivaratri.

Late Feb / Early March · Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple sees a million devotees. Processions through the narrow galis. Night-long worship.

Why it mattersVaranasi is THE city of Shiva — this is its biggest night of the year.

Going for this? Varanasi in March

NakshIQ score
4/10
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March brings Holi to Varanasi, and the ghats become the world's most dramatic color battlefield. Temperatures are pleasant at 28-32°C, the Ganges is at its winter-low level exposing the full height of the ancient steps, and the morning light is clean and warm. Post-Holi, the city settles into a sweet shoulder-season groove — good weather, manageable crowds, fair prices.

See the Varanasi March guide →

Getting there

Elevation
80 m
Nearest airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri (Varanasi)
Nearest railway
Varanasi Junction

Live in Varanasi

Where to stay in Varanasi

  • Ganpati Guest House

    ₹800-2500/night
    guesthouse · Meer Ghat

    The rooftop restaurant view is the most photographed in Varanasi. Right on the ghat — step out and you're in the action. Rooms vary wildly — always ask for the ghat-facing one. Been hosting travelers for decades.

  • Hotel Heritage Inn

    Rs 1500-3500/night
    guesthouse · Near Dashashwamedh Ghat

    Centrally located within 5-min drive of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Rooftop terrace with Ganga views, friendly staff

  • Shree Ganga Kashi Homestay

    Rs 800-2000/night
    homestay · Ghats area, Varanasi

    In the ghats area with swift access to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (0.7 km). Authentic Varanasi homestay experience with home-cooked meals

All stays in Varanasi →

Where to eat

  • Blue Lassi Shop

    Legendary
    Kachori Gali · ₹

    Signaturesaffron cashew lassi

    Sit on the wooden bench outside and watch the funeral processions pass towards Manikarnika — the proximity is unsettling but the shop has run alongside it for a century. Cash only.

  • Pahalwan Lassi

    Legendary
    Lanka · ₹

    Signaturerabri-malai lassi

    At least 3-4 lookalike 'pehelwan' shops sit beside each other on Lanka Road — extended family, all from the same stock. Locals point to the Malviya Chauraha original; ask for the 'asli' if you're unsure.

  • Keshav Tambul Bhandar

    Legendary
    Lanka · ₹

    SignatureBanarasi gulkand meetha paan

    Ask for meetha (sweet) if you don't chew tobacco — the saada and benarasi versions contain stronger fillings. They allow watching the assembly process if you ask politely.

  • Kashi Chat Bhandar

    Legendary
    Godowlia · ₹

    Signaturetamatar chaat

    Order tamatar chaat first; the choora matar (poha-style flat rice with green peas) sells out by mid-evening. Standing room only — eat fast and step out.

All eateries in Varanasi →

What else to see in Varanasi

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat

    Main ghat where the spectacular Ganga Aarti happens every evening at sunset.

    ghat
    1-2 hours

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    One of 12 Jyotirlingas — the most sacred Shiva temple in India.

    temple
    1-2 hours

  • Sarnath

    Where Buddha gave his first sermon. Dhamek Stupa and archaeological museum.

    monument
    2-3 hours

  • Blue Lassi Shop

    Legendary tiny shop serving thick fruit lassi since 1925.

    cafe
    30 min

  • BHU & New Vishwanath Temple

    Banaras Hindu University campus with the modern Vishwanath Temple — largest temple complex in North India.

    temple
    1-2 hours

Other festivals in Varanasi

Other festivals in March, elsewhere

See every festival in March →

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