Kartik Purnima 2025 Celebrations in Varanasi
Date: November 5, 2025 (Dev Deepawali) Purnima Tithi: Begins 10:36 PM Nov 4, Ends 6:48 PM Nov 5 Moonrise: ~5:45 PM IST Auspicious Muhurta: Brahma Muhurta (4:00–4:45 AM) for Ganga Snan; Pradosha (5:30–7:30 PM) for Aarti.
Key Citywide Events
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 AM | Ganga Snan & Rudrabhishekam | All ghats, Vishwanath |
| 6:00 AM | Tulsi Vivah | Tulsi Manas, Nepali Temple |
| 12:00 PM | Maha Annadanam | Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan |
| 5:00 PM | Lamp Lighting Begins | 84 ghats |
| 6:45 PM | Grand Ganga Aarti | Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| 7:00 PM | Dev Deepawali Fireworks | Over Ganga |
| 8:00 PM–Midnight | Cultural Night | Ghats, temples |
- Boat Rides: Diya-lit Ganga cruises from 6 PM (₹200–500).
- Virtual: Live-stream on Banaras Hindu University YouTube.
- Eco-Note: Clay diyas, Ganga-clean diyas, no plastic.
Major Temples & Ghats Celebrating Karthika Pournami in Varanasi
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Jyotirlinga)
The heart of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple—one of the 12 Jyotirlingas—celebrates Kartik Purnima with unmatched grandeur.
- Special Events:
- Maha Rudrabhishekam at 3 AM with 108 kalashas of Ganga jal.
- Shringar Aarti at 7 PM with gold-embroidered attire.
- Deepotsavam with 1 lakh lamps in the temple complex.
- Annadanam for 50,000+ sadhus and pilgrims.
- Highlight: The golden spire reflects the glow of lamps at dusk.
Address: Vishwanath Gali, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, UP 221001 Contact: +91-542-2455128 | Website
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Founded by Tulsidas, this temple celebrates Kartik Purnima with Hanuman Chalisa recitations under lamp light.
- Special Events:
- 108 Hanuman Chalisa Parayanam from 6 PM.
- Laddu Prasadam distribution.
- Lamp-lit procession to Assi Ghat.
Address: Saket Nagar, Teliarganj, Varanasi, UP 221002 Contact: +91-542-2581234
3. Annapurna Devi Temple
Adjacent to Vishwanath, the Annapurna Temple hosts Akshaya Tritiya-style annadanam amplified for the festival.
- Highlight: Golden laddu offered to the goddess.
Address: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, UP 221001
4. Kaal Bhairav Temple
The kotwal (police chief) of Kashi, Kaal Bhairav, sees Bhairav Ashtami echoes with lamp aarti and whiskey offerings (prasad).
Address: Near Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, UP 221001
5. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
The red-painted Durga Temple celebrates with Navadurga Homam and Kumari Puja under 84 lamps.
Address: Durga Kund Road, Sankat Mochan, Varanasi, UP 221005
6. Tulsi Manas Temple
Dedicated to Ramcharitmanas, it hosts Tulsi Vivah and Ramayana Parayanam with lamp-lit stages.
Address: Tulsi Manas Mandir, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, UP 221001
7. Bharat Mata Temple
Unique non-sectarian temple with a marble map of India; national anthem sung at 7 PM under lamps.
Address: Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi, UP 221005
8. Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
Wooden pagoda-style temple with Tulsi Vivah and Nepali bhajans.
Address: Lalita Ghat, Varanasi, UP 221001
9. Ganga Ghats (84 Sacred Ghats)
The ghats become open-air temples:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: Ganga Aarti at 6:45 PM with 84 lamps.
- Manikarnika Ghat: Maha Deepotsavam with eternal pyre flames and diyas.
- Assi Ghat: Subah-e-Banaras cultural program with lamps.
10. Sankatha Devi Temple
Goddess who removes obstacles; Sankatha Vrat concludes with lamp circumambulation.
Address: Sankatha Devi Temple Road, Varanasi, UP 221001
11. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
Modern marble temple with Sahasranama Archana and youth-led lamp lighting.
Address: Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi, UP 221005
12. Local Akhara Temples (Wrestler Monastic Shrines)
Naga sadhus light bonfires and perform Hatha Yoga under the full moon.
Location: Various akharas near ghats
Common Celebration Elements Across Varanasi
- Diyas: Ghee lamps, camphor aarti, bonfires
- Ganga Jal: Used in all abhishekams
- Annadanam: Khichdi, halwa, jalebi for sadhus
- Cultural Fusion: Banarasi thumri, kajri, Ramleela snippets
- Eco-Friendly: Clay lamps, banana leaf plates
How to Participate in Varanasi
Transportation:
- Flights: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
- Trains: Varanasi Junction (BSB)
- Buses: Cantt Bus Stand
Tips:
- Book Vishwanath darshan via shraddha.kashi (virtual queue)
- Wear kurta/saree for temple entry
- Carry ghee, camphor, flowers for offerings
- Join annadanam – serve sadhus at Manikarnika
- Take boat ride from Assi to Manikarnika
Regional Variations in Varanasi
| Area | Style |
|---|---|
| Old City (Vishwanath Gali) | Shaiva, intense aarti, sadhu gatherings |
| Ghats | Ganga-centric, boat lamps, fireworks |
| Cantt & BHU | Modern, youth programs, cultural shows |
| Akhara | Naga sadhu bonfires, tantric rituals |
Kartik Purnima & Varanasi Multiculturalism
- Interfaith Harmony: Jains celebrate Kartik Purnima as Deva Diwali; Buddhists light lamps at Sarnath.
- Tourism Boost: UP Tourism promotes Dev Deepawali as a global festival.
- Sadhu Culture: 84,000 sadhus gather; annadanam is a sacred duty.
- Eco-Spirituality: Ganga cleaning drives before the festival.
Conclusion
Kartik Purnima in Varanasi is not just a festival — it is Shiva’s cosmic dance of light. From the golden glow of Vishwanath’s shringar to the fiery pyres of Manikarnika, from the thundering Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh to the serene Tulsi Vivah at Tulsi Manas, this sacred night transforms Kashi into a city of a million lamps.
On November 5, 2025, join the light. Take a dip in the Ganga. Light a diya. Chant Om Namah Shivaya. And become part of Varanasi’s eternal spiritual legacy.
Dev Deepawali: When gods bathe in the Ganga of light.
For exact timings, virtual queue booking, and boat ride details, check varanasi.nic.in or temple websites. Most events are free and open to all.
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