Mahashivratri

In Varanasi, the city believed to be personally beloved by Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is celebrated with unparalleled devotion, energy, and spiritual intensity.
Held on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March), Mahashivratri marks the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

From the early morning hours, thousands of devotees throng the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Shiva, to offer prayers, milk, flowers, and bilva leaves. The entire city pulses with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” echoing through ancient lanes, ghats, and temples.

The celebrations in Varanasi are marked by:

• Day-long fasting and night-long worship (jaagaran)

• Special Shiv Barat processions (a vibrant wedding parade of Lord Shiva)

• Decorated temples and ghats illuminated with oil lamps

• Musical performances and spiritual gatherings

At night, major temples including Kashi Vishwanath, Tilbhandeshwar, Mahamrityunjay, and others remain open for devotees, with elaborate rituals and continuous chanting.

For anyone visiting during Mahashivratri, Varanasi reveals itself not just as a city, but as a living embodiment of Lord Shiva’s energy — timeless, mystical, and overwhelmingly powerful.

Notes:

• The grand Shiv Barat procession usually passes through key parts of the old city near Godowlia, Dashashwamedh, and Vishwanath Gali.

• Temples are the primary focus, but the entire city vibrates with devotion.