Holi in Varanasi – Best Ghats, Events & Complete Celebration Guide

We all know since our childhood that Holi is a festival of colours, but in Varanasi, it’s different. Here you can witness the most popular Holi of cremation( ashes ). Millions of people across the world travel to Varanasi to experience Holi in Kashi. And if you are planning to experience 2026 Holi in Varanasi? I am here to guide you with everything you need to know about Holi in Varanasi – The Best and The Worst. 

This guide will help you with all info about Rangbhari Ekadashi, Masan Holi, Holika Dahan, and the Rangwali Holi in varanasi. And this blog will answer the most asked question – Is Varanasi safe for women during Holi? So, ladies Buckle up!

Why Holi in Varanasi Feels So Different?

In India, Varanasi is one of the best places for Holi in India. Here’s why?

The Holi festival in Varanasi blends spirituality with celebration. Unlike many other cities where Holi is mainly about colours and water, Varanasi Holi begins inside temples. Rituals start days before the actual Holi day. Aghoris and Sadhus celebrate Holi with ashes, as it is believed that Lord Shiva plays Holi with ashes that day.

From Holi in Varanasi ghats to temples, the city transforms into a canvas of pink, yellow, and green. people dance. Sadhus chant. Tourists click vibrant Banaras Holi photos. Locals in Varanasi welcome everyone with open hearts. It definitely feels amazing, but also scary.

Varanasi Holi 2026 Date & Festival Calendar

The 2026 Holi date is 3 to 4 March, 2026, as per the Hindu calendar. Here are the key details of all the details for Varanasi Holi 2026:

How Is Holi Celebrated in Varanasi?

Holi is a festival that is celebrated on a large scale in Varanasi. Here’s what makes it unique:

1. The ritual starts many days before with Rangbhari Ekadashi in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
2. Locals start gathering things for Holika Dahan at Assi Ghat.
3. A day before Holi, Masan Holi is celebrated on Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
4. People perform Holika Dahan by igniting fire in the evening before Holi day.
5. On the main Holi day, people start celebrating Holi with colours and water, taking selfies with foreigners ( which can also be a nightmare for female tourists) from the morning to the afternoon. 
6. The Holi celebration in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is not limited to one location. It is celebrated in ghats, temples, and streets.

Rangbhari Ekadashi in Varanasi

Rangbhari Ekadashi is a traditional start of Holi in Varanasi every year.  It is one of the most important events during Holi in Varanasi

• Historical significance of Rangbhari Ekadashi: After marrying goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva returned to Kashi, and people celebrated this day with Gulal, songs and dance. On this day, devotees celebrate the Gauna of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Varanasi. The main ritual takes place in the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

Palki Yatra of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati starts from Tedhi neem ( Mahant’s house). Sobha Yatra of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is carried out. It is called Rangbhari because the day is filled with colours.

Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026 is expected to attract large crowds in Varanasi, so visitors should book their cabs and hotels in advance and make sure to stay safe.

Masan ki Holi –  Holi Of Cremation

Masan ki Holi is also known as Shamshan ki Holi in Varanasi. Unlike other cities in India, where people only play with Gulal/colours and water. Here you can witness Holi of cremation(ashes or rakh). 

This ritual symbolises acceptance of death and the nature of life on earth. At Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, you can witness – Aghori Sadhus, Naga Sadhus and more.

Rangwali Holi – the actual Holi day in Varanasi 

Rangwali Holi is on the actual day of Holi, which is going to be celebrated on 4th March, this year. Holi is celebrated on the full moon of Phalguna. It is celebrated from 8 AM in the morning to late afternoon. By evening, Varanasi becomes peaceful again. 

On this day, people start gathering on Assi Ghat, Dashswamedh Ghat, Godowlia Chowk and the old streets of Varanasi. You will find numerous people drunk and covered in colours. Strangers will come to you to meet, handshake, hug and put colour on you, which sounds nice but also has another side to it. People go home till afternoon and come back to the ghat in the evening to see Ganga Aarti. 

Tips for First-time Visitors in Varanasi for Holi 

• Arrive 1 or 2 days early to avoid the last-minute rush.
• Book your hotel in advance, especially near the Assi or Dashashwamedh ghat.
• Start playing Holi early (8 AM to 11 AM) and return to the hotel by afternoon.
• Wear old clothes & apply oil on hair and skin before going out to avoid stains of colours.
• Carry minimal valuables (a few cash and ID only).
• Try to stay in the main areas like Assi Ghat for safer side.
• Avoid accepting drinks and foods from strangers.
• Pre-book your cab, as local transport may not be available that day. For smooth airport pickup & drops, you can rely on Chiku Cab in Varanasi during Holi.

Is Varanasi Safe for Females during Holi?

I can’t say completely yes or no, but that does not mean females should not visit Kashi during Holi. On Holi, things become chaotic and crowded, so make sure you go out with a male person. Some people may want to benefit of crowd. From my perspective, you can definitely visit, but with some precautions.

Holi in Varanasi for Female Foreigners: 

Foreigners have a whole different story of Holi in Varanasi than Indians. If you are a female foreigner, the risk gets higher. People come to you to take selfies and can force you when you say no. They might try to put colours on your face forcely and they might try to touch you inappropriately. So, be ready to stay strong even on festival days.

Females outside India can also have an unforgettable experience of Holi in Varanasi with a colourful and happy environment, but definitely with some precautions and care.

Here are the precautions a female should take during Holi in Varanasi: 

• Go out from 8 AM to 10 AM.
• Make sure to stay in a group. If you are a solo traveller, tie up with other solo travellers or groups. You will find many helpful and friendly people.
• Return to your hotel by the afternoon.
• Avoid isolated and too crowded areas like a big group of boys.
• Say no to foods and drinks from strangers.
• Don’t stay out in the late evening on Holi day.
• Wear comfortable, dark-coloured and covered clothes.
• Keep emergency contacts with you.
• Book your cab to the hotel or airport in Advance.
• If anything or anyone makes you uncomfortable, say NO!

Here’s How to Reach Varanasi for Holi:

Varanasi is a city that is alive 24/7. Varanasi is well connected by air, railway and road.

By Train:

Varanasi Cantt railway station and Mandudih or Banaras railway station are two railway stations in India that are connected with all major cities of India. This connectivity makes train travel to Varanasi so easy. 

By Air: 

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi: This airport in varanasi is situated in Babatpur, 26 km northwest of Varanasi. This airport also offers international connectivity.

By Road: 

You can also book a cab for a one-way or round-trip to Varanasi. Chiku Cab services serve pan-India for all kinds of car rental services. Booking a cab is also the most convenient and comfortable option for a long-distance journey. 

Cab Fare in Varanasi 

In Varanasi, you can find many companies that serve cab and taxi services, but I recommend Chiku Cab for safe and affordable cab service during the peak festival days. You can see cab options and fare here.

One-Day Holi Itinerary

For tourists having limited time, here’s a practical one-day Varanasi Holi itinerary:

• Morning (6 AM): visit Kashi Vishwanath temple and take a boat ride or walk on the ghat.
• 8 AM to 11 AM: Celebrate Holi at Assi Ghat, Godowlia or Dashaswamedh Ghat. Avoid too crowded or quiet areas if you are a female. Chiku Cab’s local drivers of Varanasi often recommend leaving peak celebration areas such as Assi and Dashaswamedh Ghat by 1:30 PM to avoid heavy congestion. 
• Afternoon: Return to the hotel for rest. Female tourists must return to their stay.
• Evening: Attend Ganga Aarti and have dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Holi a good time to visit Varanasi?

Yes, Holi is definitely a good time to visit Varanasi, but do not forget to take precautions. 

Which date has Holi in 2026?

Holi is going to be celebrated on 3 March this year.

What is the date of Masan Holi in 2026?

Masan Holi in Varanasi is generally celebrated one day before Holi. In the morning of Holika Dahan. This year it is going to be celebrated on 3rd March.

Is Masan Holi the same as Rangwali Holi?

No, Masan Holi and Rangwali Holi are celebrated on different days. In 2026, Masan Holi will be celebrated on 3rd March, and Rangwali Holi will be celebrated on 4th March.

Can tourists participate in Holi in Varanasi?

Yes, tourists and anyone can participate in Holi in Varanasi. But only observation is recommended.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography is allowed, but try to avoid taking a close-up of someone or ask if needed. 

Where is the best place to experience Holi in Varanasi?

Ganga Ghats such as Assi Ghat and Dashaswamedh Ghat are the best places to experience Holi in Varanasi, but they can also be so crowded.

What clothes should I wear for Holi in Varanasi?

Wearing modest clothes on Holi is recommended according to indian culture. Avoid wearing white if u do not want stains on your clothes.

What precautions should I take during Varanasi Holi?

There is lot of precautions you must take during Holi in Varanasi, especially for females and foreigners. Go through all the points in this blog.

Abhishek Singh

I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.