Holi is celebrated on different dates across the country, with some regions marking the start of the festival much earlier, while in Barsana and Braj, Holi begins on Basant Panchami, while in Kashi, it is celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi, which this year falls on March 10. The Varanasi city, also known as Kashi, is expected to be filled with a large crowd of devotees, especially at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where people celebrate by playing Holi with the divine.
The festival is special in holy city of Uttar Pradesh, where it begins with the playing of gulal (colored powder) with Lord Shiva and Mata Gauri, symbolising the blessing of a happy married life. Kashi Vishwanath and Mata Gauri are dressed up for the occasion, and the festival is marked with dancing and music, bringing the streets of Kashi to life.
"Today is Rangbhari Ekadashi, a tradition that has been followed for 500 years...We carry Hanuman Ji’s sacred symbols along with music and festivities, visiting various monasteries and temples for worship. After that, we all take a holy dip in the Sarayu River," said a local.
Also Read | Holi 2025: Drone Footage of Barsana Traditional ‘Lathmar’ Festival Goes Viral on Internet (Watch Video).
During the Rangbhari Ekadashi, Lord Shiva brought his wife, Mata Gauri, to Kashi for the first time after their marriage. On this special occasion, since then, the tradition of Holi celebrations in Kashi has continued, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
According to Hindu beliefs, on Rangbhari Ekadashi, devotees bathe early in the morning, and the idols of Lord Shiva and Mata Gauri are placed at the worship site. They are then worshipped with gulal, flowers, and bel patra. A lamp of pure ghee is lit, and an aarti with camphor is performed. This marks the official start of Holi celebrations in the region. The celebrations continue for a week, and this year, you can join the festivities in Varanasi and experience the traditional Holi of Kashi.