Varanasi, like the rest of India, is known for its vibrant festivals and events, most of which have religious significance. Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Janism celebrations take place throughout the year, many of which involve lively processions. One of the highlights of the year is Diwali, when lamps illuminate the city at night, along with firecrackers, to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.

Republic Day: observed on 26 January, this national holiday marks India’s independence from Britain and the new Indian Constitution in 1950. Parades showing military strength are typically held on this day.

Maha Shivratri: although celebrated across India, Varanasi is perhaps the best place to experience this celebration, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the city’s patron deity. The highlight of this event is a procession from the Maha-Mritunjaya Temple to Kashi Viswanath Temple.

Dhrupad Mela: dhrupad is a form of classical singing in Indian and this event sees artists from across the country join to perform at Tulsi ghat in the holy city of Varanasi. It is a major tourist attraction and spans five days.

Hanuman Jayanti: marking the birth of Hanuman, a celebrated devotee to Lord Rama. Better known as the ‘monkey god’, Hanuman’s birthday is celebrated with five-day long cultural festivities at Sankat Mochan Temple. It is also a time for worshippers to apply a tilak to their foreheads for good luck.

Mahavir Jayanti: Jains mark the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, during this religious holiday. Festivities include adorning temples with flags and giving the idol a ceremonial bath, then carrying it in a parade around the neighbourhood. Worshippers typically make offerings of rice, milk and incense.

Buddha Purnima: the birth of the Buddha is celebrated at Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site 10kms from Varanasi. Attendees should expect to witness colourful processions and worshippers making offerings of flowers, candles and incense.

Ganesh Chaturthi: this event is a celebration of the day Lord Ganesha, the son of Parvati and Shiva, revealed his presence on earth for his devotees to witness. Celebrated as his birthday, the festival typically starts in mid-August and lasts for 10 days. Genesh represents wisdom, good fortune and prosperity.

Independence Day: held on 15 August, this day commemorates independence from the British in 1947 with flag hoisting and the giving out of sweets. Parades and cultural events are typically part of the celebrations.

Ramadan: observed by Muslims, this month-long fast sees worshippers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activities during the day. It is a time for prayer and reflections.

Nakkatayya Leela: held in the Chetganj district of Varanasi, this event sees the re-enactment of the popular Nakkatayya episode from the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic. The story tells of Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister, enticing Rama and then Lakshman. Lakshman gets very upset and slits Suparnakha's nose which sees Ravana vowing revenge. The event eventually contributes to Sita getting abducted.

Bharat Milap: this event, one of Varanasi’s highlights, is a celebration of the reunion between Bharat and his brother Lord Rama, upon Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. A colourful procession takes place, observed by thousands of worshippers as they gather in the streets.

Ramlila of Ramagar: based on Tulsidas’ Ramcharitramanas, this month-long event stretches into November and sees the performance of many ancient rituals.

Ganga Festival: the Ganges River is worshipped by Hindus and personified as the goddess Ganga. During this celebration of the river, people bath in the water to absolve their sins and they collect a small vessel of water to take back home.

Diwali: also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Varanasi is illuminated at night with lights and firecrackers for three days in celebration of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, which symbolises a conquest of good over evil. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and visitors are encouraged to join in.

Kartik Purnima: this celebration, which commences on the day of a full moon and lasts for more than a fortnight, sees worshippers make offerings to Hindu gods at temples around the city. It is also customary for worshippers to bathe in the Ganges.

Nag Nathaiya Leela: held at Tulsi ghat, this event includes the re-enactment of stories from the life of Lord Krishna. Hundreds of people gather at the ghat to enjoy this dramatic spectacle.

Christmas: the Christian population in Varanasi gather together for midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Presents are typically exchanged between friends and family on 25 December.