In the ancient city of Varanasi, Basant Panchami transcends its usual celebrations of spring and Goddess Saraswati worship. Today marks a pivotal moment as devotees apply the sacred tilak on Baba Kashi Vishwanath, signaling the official start of preparations for the grand divine wedding on Maha Shivratri.
The Tilak Utsav, deeply rooted in Kashi’s millennia-old traditions, fills the temple precincts with vibrant decorations, rhythmic chants, and an electric atmosphere of devotion. This ritual prepares Lord Shiva for his union with Parvati, a spectacle that unfolds with immense pomp on Maha Shivratri, falling this year on Sunday, February 15.
According to the Drik Panchang, the night of Maha Shivratri aligns with the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Phalgun month. Devotees observe rigorous fasts, night vigils, and elaborate Shiva puja during the Nishita Kaal around midnight. Varanasi’s streets buzz with energy as every temple—from the majestic Kashi Vishwanath to Gauri Kedareshwara, Annapurna, Tilbhandeshwar, and others—lights up with floral arrangements and throngs of pilgrims seeking darshan.
The festivities continue seamlessly into Rangbhari Ekadashi, also known as Amalaki Ekadashi, on Friday, February 27. This Phalgun Shukla Paksha Ekadashi sees the ceremonial gauna or vidai of Mata Parvati, after which Lord Shiva returns to Kashi with his bride. It heralds the onset of Holika celebrations, with temples resounding to the beats of drums and colors of abeer-gulal. Legends hold that on this day, Baba Shiva plays Holi with his ganas at the cremation grounds, blending the sacred with the joyous.
This sequence of rituals not only revives Kashi’s spiritual heritage but also unites communities in a shared tapestry of faith, music, and festivity, drawing millions to witness the eternal love story of Shiva and Parvati.
