Diwali at Varanasi Ghats: Where Tradition and Joy Come Together

Diwali is a very special festival for millions of Indians. It is called the "festival of lights" and celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. While Diwali is celebrated joyfully all over India, there is one place where the festival feels even more magical—Varanasi. So, what makes Diwali in Varanasi so special? Here’s why you should visit Varanasi during Diwali and what makes the experience truly unique.

The Significance of Diwali in Varanasi

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India, always full of spiritual energy; however, in Diwali it shines so much more brightly. This is actually where, as per history and myth, Lord Rama returned after 14 years of exile, making Diwali so much more special here. Thousands of diyas - small lamps kept on the ghats themselves along the Ganges River- lighting them, make for an atmosphere that goes beyond imagination and really captures the spirit of the festival.

Varanasi is a Must-Visit During Diwali 

Varanasi celebrates Diwali with great joy and happiness. The festival of lights feels truly magical here. The beautiful ghats, boat rides on the Ganga River, and grand Ganga Aartis are some amazing things to see in the city. However, one place shines the brightest during Diwali: the Annapurna Temple. This temple is special not only for its rich history but also for its deep connection to Varanasi's culture.

Annapurna Temple Darshan Once a Year at Midnight

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the god of food and nourishment as her name has been derived from the Sanskrit words "anna" meaning food and "purna" meaning complete-that is, she provides full nourishment. She is considered a goddess who ensures no person in the city goes hungry; hence, this place is considered a symbol of prosperity and blessings for people residing in Varanasi.

The importance of the temple increases even more on Diwali. It is believed that thousands of locals and pilgrims visit to seek the goddess's blessing for a prosperous year ahead. People pray for abundant food, wealth, and happiness. As Diwali draws to a close, the temple gets very busy on Annakoot, which is celebrated the day after Diwali. On this special day, the golden statue of the Goddess can be seen only once a year, and Annakoot coins are given to all devotees as blessings from Goddess Annapurna.

Roots, History & Significance of Annapurna Temple

The Annapurna Temple has deep roots in Hindu mythology. According to the story, Lord Shiva tricked Goddess Annapurna into thinking there was no food left in the world. She then blessed Varanasi with food, ensuring the people would never go hungry. For the Banarasis (the people of Varanasi), Diwali is not just about lights and fireworks; it's a time for spiritual growth and gratitude to God. The Annapurna Temple plays a big part in this celebration. During Diwali, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and diyas, creating a divine atmosphere.

The day after Diwali, Annakut is celebrated at the temple. People offer various foods to thank Goddess Annapurna for the happiness she brings them. This event attracts many devotees to the temple.

Timing and Location 

The Annapurna Temple is right next to the very famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple so it is easy enough to visit both within the scope of a single trip. The temple is open from 5:00 AM in the morning till 11:30 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Must-Visit Ganga Ghats during Diwali

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat: The most famous ghat in Varanasi becomes the heart of Diwali celebrations, where thousands of lights and colourful rangolis transform the ghat into a sparkling heaven on earth. During Diwali, you can witness the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests conduct fire rituals and chants, creating a holy ambience.

2. Assi Ghat: This ghat is one of the prominent ones and is known for its lively atmosphere. It is decorated with diyas, colourful lights, and flowers. Assi Ghat also hosts various community events and functions during the Diwali festival.

3. Kedar Ghat: A peaceful view with incredible scenery. During Diwali, the ghat is all lit up with bright lights, and many locals come here to perform rituals and functions.

Diwali isn’t complete without a visit to the Annapurna Temple in Varanasi. This is where spirituality and culture come together, and blessings from the goddess flow freely, especially during the festival. With the shining ghats, the grand Ganga Aarti, and the blessings at the Annapurna Temple, Diwali in Varanasi is an unforgettable experience. If you want to feel the true magic of Diwali, Varanasi is the place to be!