Gaura Gauna Mahotsav to Be Celebrated from February 24 to 27 at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Varanasi: The sacred city of Varanasi will witness the commencement of the traditional Gaura Gauna Mahotsav from February 24, culminating on February 27 on the auspicious occasion of Rangbhari Ekadashi.
The four-day celebration will begin on February 24 with the ceremonial Mehendi and Haldi rituals performed amid Vedic chanting. The idol of Goddess Gaura, seated in the ceremonial mandap, will be worshipped according to traditional customs and rituals.
On February 25, the festivities will begin at 3:00 PM, followed by the special adornment and presentation of Goddess Gaura at 6:30 PM. On this occasion, the idol of Baba Vishwanath will be dressed in traditional royal attire and adorned with a special crown (kirit), enhancing the grandeur of the celebration.
The highlight of the festival will be on February 27, when a historic palanquin procession will depart from the temple at 5:00 PM as part of the Rangbhari Ekadashi celebrations. The procession will pass through various parts of the city, where devotees will welcome it with abir-gulal and showers of flowers. Temple doors will open for devotees at 7:00 AM, and the Bhog Aarti will be performed at 12:30 PM.
As part of the Mahotsav, a cultural program titled ‘Shivanjali’ will also be organized, featuring folk and devotional music performances. According to the temple Mahants, Gaura’s Gauna symbolizes the living traditions and rich cultural heritage of Kashi, uniting the residents of the city in devotion and celebration.
