Rangbhari Ekadashi Celebrated with Grand Gauna Ceremony

Varanasi: A vibrant wave of devotion has swept through Varanasi as the city celebrates Rangbhari Ekadashi, one of its most cherished religious traditions. The festival marks the ceremonial “gauna” of Goddess Gaura (Parvati), when Lord Vishwanath symbolically brings her home after their divine marriage on Mahashivratri. The occasion also signals the formal beginning of Holi festivities in Kashi.

At the heart of the celebrations is the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where rituals are being performed according to age-old customs. The idol of Baba Vishwanath is taken out in a traditional palanquin procession from the residence of the former mahant, accompanied by chants of Har Har Mahadev. Devotees apply gulal on the deity’s forehead and offer abeer at the feet of Goddess Parvati, seeking permission to celebrate Holi.

To maintain order and security, only 64 designated individuals are allowed to accompany the palanquin inside the temple premises. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited within the inner temple complex, though they are permitted in the outer areas of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Authorities have appealed to devotees to avoid overcrowding in the narrow lanes along the procession route.

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Nyas has arranged refreshments, including thandai and light snacks, for visitors. Adding to the cultural spirit, traditional gifts such as abeer, gulal, wooden toys, and garments have been sent to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura. In return, a group of Braj artists will perform Raas and Phoolon ki Holi at the Shivarachanam stage in Kashi, symbolizing the deep spiritual bond between Kashi and Braj.