Best Places to See Authentic Holi in Varanasi | Tiyasa Koner
Best Places to See Authentic Holi Colors in Varanasi
Introduction
Narrow alleys draped in marigolds, temple
bells clanging in rhythm with the beats of the drums, and the sky that bursts
into pinks, blues, and yellows. Varanasi, one of the most ancient continuously
inhabited cities of the world, becomes a living canvas as it goes full-swing at
Holi, drawing over 500,000 visitors each year. From the ghats to the temples,
this is where tradition dances with unfiltered joy.
Image Source: Laure Wanders
Why Varanasi stands out for Holi
Holi in Varanasi-or, if you may say so,
Banaras or Kashi-is less of a festival and more an emotion that melts faith
with fun. Unlike the rowdy revelry one might find elsewhere, the city's Holi
remains steeped in devotion. Temples bloom with petals, locals daub gulal with
reverence, and laughter spills from every lane.
Historical Roots of the Festival
It is believed that colors have poured into
this holy city for more than 2,000 years now, and the legends of Holi are
deeply entwined with the mythology of Varanasi. People still narrate the story
of Lord Krishna smearing colors on Radha while playing with her near the banks
of the Ganges. These ancient stories spring to life during modern-day
celebrations, reminding one and all that Holi started off as an act of love and
mischief by the gods.
In Banaras, Holi is not a party; it is a
ritual renewal of community ties, laughter, and forgiveness. The festival
commemorates the victory of good over evil, but here it is also a joyous
surrender to togetherness.
Idiosyncratic local twists on traditions
Varanasi's Holi has its own sets of quirks.
With a deliberate avoidance of harsh chemicals, locals resort to flower-based
gulals made of rose petals, sandalwood, and neem. The air smells as fragrant as
it looks colorful. Devotees sing bhajans while the drummers keep up a
heartbeat-like rhythm along the ghats.
In 2024, tourism was up 30% over Holi, with
tourists rating the authenticity of their experience a 9 out of 10. What's the
secret? Locals preserve customs-from early-morning chants to evening
aartis-even as modern crowds pour in.
Top Spots to Witness Real Colours
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
The heart of Holi action. At dawn, the ghat
bursts into colours. The priests are leading rituals with drums and conch
shells. Arrive well before sunrise for the best seat to watch devotion meet
delirium.
Tip: Try the safe herbal colors sold by the
vendors nearby; they make great souvenirs, too.
2. Assi Ghat
A gentler, family-friendly scene plays out
here: students from Banaras Hindu University join locals in folk songs, dances
and general laughter. It's perfect if you like joyful chaos rather than
jostling crowds.
3. Vicinity of Manikarnika Ghat
It might sound unconventional-being near the
cremation grounds-but Holi here carries deep symbolism. Locals mingle spiritual
cleansing with color play. On a 2024 tour group in Delhi, there was a report on
how color transcends even social lines, attesting to unexpected unity across
castes.
4. Ramnagar Fort Area
Cross the river to witness rural Holi. The
colors spill on bulls, elephants, even on boats. Pure village fun: earthy,
loud, and deeply communal.
Cultural Depth Behind the Colors: Deep
meaning is ingrained beneath the colored clouds and rounds of laughter. Holi in
Varanasi reinforces the idea that joy heals and celebration sanctifies.
Role of Temples in Festivals
Devotees celebrate Holi by offering sweets to
Hanuman at Sankat Mochan Temple before the colors begin. Indeed, Holi here is a symbolic rebirth —
a way of forgiving and reconnecting.
Stories from Past Celebrations
A 2023 flash mob dance at Kashi Vishwanath
Temple went viral with more than 1 million views, showing locals and tourists
dancing together. The video became a metaphor for Holi's appeal to the world —
and Varanasi's matchless hospitality.
Actionable Ways to Engage:
- Learn a Holi song; locals love it if the visitors join them for a verse or two.
- First, offer tilak to the elders, then join the color play as a respect gesture.
- Support local artisans by buying handmade gulal or eco-friendly souvenirs.
Safety Tips for a Colorful Adventure:
- Choosing Safe Colors and Skincare
- Use organic powders to protect the skin.
Pro Tip: Before heading out, smear a good
dose of coconut oil on skin and hair. This forms a good barrier between skin
and color stains. If you are game, wash off later in the Ganges-it is a
blessing, they say, and the cleanest you will ever feel.
Crowds and Health: Navigating
Narrow Varanasi lanes could be overwhelming.
Keep hydrated-march heat can be deceiving. Old clothes, closed shoes, and move
with the crowd.
Plan a Holi Trip to Varanasi
- Holi 2025 falls on March 13–14, coinciding with the full moon — the best time to witness the magic of the city.
- Book flights to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport two months in advance. Flights sell out fast.
- Trains from Delhi offer scenic, inexpensive rides.
- Stay near the ghats for convenience; stylish guesthouses book up well in advance.
Budget and Essentials to Pack
A typical weekend budget ranges between $200–300, covering accommodation, transport, and meals.
Pack:
- Light cotton clothes.
- Reusable water bottle Sunglasses.
- Waterproof pouch for the phone
Sustainable Choices Join the emerging eco-Holi trend. Buy locally prepared gulal and handmade toys, which also help in improving community income by 15% and reduce waste, according to a study in 2024.
Conclusion
Holi in Varanasi is not about coloring faces;
it is about coloring souls. It is that day when strangers turn into friends,
grudges dissolve, and joy overflows on the ancient ghats like the Ganges
itself. Be it dancing at Dashashwamedh, singing at Assi, or wandering through
the mist of colors near Manikarnika, you will find the same heartbeat which has
been pulsating through this city since ages.
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