The sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is set to host an elaborate six-day celebration of Diwali, beginning on Dhanteras, October 18, 2025. This year, the festivities promise to be more vibrant and spiritually enriching, combining traditional rituals with cultural programs, lighting decorations, and the offering of Chhappan Bhog to Maa Annapurna and Baba Vishwanath. Temple authorities and devotees alike are gearing up for a celebration that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the holy city of Varanasi, reinforcing its significance as a spiritual hub during the festival season.

Preparations for the six-day Deepawali celebrations, also known as the Deep Jyoti Festival, have already begun in earnest at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Complex. According to Vishva Bhushan Mishra, the Chief Executive Officer of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the temple premises will be adorned with dazzling lights and a rich assortment of fragrant flowers, creating a divine ambiance for devotees. The decoration aims to highlight the spiritual grandeur of the temple and enhance the experience of pilgrims who come to participate in the festival rituals.

The festival celebrations are anchored around several key rituals and offerings, among which the Annakoot festival holds a place of central importance. On this occasion, the deities Maa Annapurna and Baba Vishwanath will be offered Chhappan Bhog, which consists of 56 different dishes. This year, the temple administration plans to prepare a total of 14 quintals of sweets and other delicacies for the Annakoot offering. The Chhappan Bhog includes an assortment of traditional sweets such as laddus, namkeens, mathris, and other regional specialties. While a significant portion of these offerings will be prepared within the temple kitchen, additional sweets will be sourced from trusted confectioneries in Varanasi to ensure the authenticity and quality of the offerings.

The Dhanteras celebrations mark the beginning of this extended festival period, which will continue through Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali day, and the subsequent days, culminating in Bhai Dooj. On Dhanteras, devotees traditionally worship Goddess Lakshmi, seeking prosperity and wellbeing. At the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the festivities will include prayers, ceremonial rituals, and lighting of lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The temple’s administration has ensured that the lighting decorations will be particularly grand this year, with thousands of lamps illuminating the temple premises, creating a visual spectacle that reflects the spiritual essence of Diwali.

Maa Annapurna Temple, situated within the Kashi Vishwanath Dham premises, will be the focal point of the early celebrations. Devotees believe that Maa Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment and food, blesses her followers with prosperity and abundance. During the first two days of the festival, special rituals and prayers will be conducted at the Annapurna Temple to invoke the goddess’s blessings. Pilgrims from across the country travel to Varanasi during this time, participating in these rituals and seeking spiritual fulfillment.

Diwali day itself promises to be particularly spectacular at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple complex will be adorned with garlands of lamps and elaborate floral arrangements. Devotees and visitors can expect a combination of religious ceremonies, musical performances, and cultural programs throughout the day. The temple administration has planned events that blend traditional worship practices with contemporary cultural expressions, reflecting both the heritage and modern vibrancy of the festival. The temple’s lighting decorations, meticulously planned and executed, will transform the premises into a radiant display of light, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge and goodness over ignorance and evil.

The Annakoot festival, which is central to the Diwali celebrations, is marked by the offering of a vast array of dishes to the deities. Each of the 56 offerings in Chhappan Bhog has symbolic significance, representing gratitude and devotion. The meticulous preparation of these dishes involves a combination of temple chefs and external vendors, ensuring that each dish meets the traditional standards and flavors expected by the devotees. The administration has emphasized the importance of quality and hygiene in the preparation of food, ensuring that the offerings are both spiritually significant and safe for consumption.

Apart from rituals and food offerings, the six-day celebrations also include various cultural programs. These events showcase local music, dance, and art forms, providing entertainment while reinforcing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. Devotees and tourists are invited to participate in these programs, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration. The cultural events are scheduled to complement the religious ceremonies, providing a balanced experience of devotion and festivity.

Security and crowd management are significant considerations during these celebrations, given the large number of pilgrims and visitors expected at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Temple authorities, in collaboration with local police and civic agencies, have put in place measures to ensure smooth movement within the complex, prevent overcrowding, and maintain safety. Volunteers will assist in guiding devotees, managing queues, and facilitating access to key areas within the temple. The administration has also ensured that medical facilities and emergency services are on standby to handle any unforeseen incidents.

The Diwali celebrations at Kashi Vishwanath Temple not only highlight religious devotion but also reinforce the cultural and spiritual significance of Varanasi as a major pilgrimage center. Millions of devotees believe that performing rituals and offering prayers at this sacred site brings divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual merit. The six-day festival, with its combination of elaborate rituals, cultural programs, and festive decorations, is designed to provide devotees with a memorable and spiritually enriching experience.

In addition to religious and cultural festivities, the temple administration has emphasized environmental consciousness. Efforts are being made to minimize waste, manage crowd movement efficiently, and ensure that decorations and lighting do not adversely affect the local environment. The administration has also coordinated with local vendors and artisans, supporting small businesses and promoting local craftsmanship through the sale of flowers, sweets, and decorative items used during the festival.

Overall, the six-day Diwali celebrations at Kashi Vishwanath Temple promise to be a grand and spiritually uplifting event. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, devotees can experience a unique blend of devotion, cultural expression, and community participation. The offering of Chhappan Bhog, the dazzling lighting displays, the floral decorations, and the organized cultural programs together create an environment that celebrates both the spiritual essence and festive joy of Diwali. The meticulous planning and dedication of the temple authorities ensure that each day of the celebration will be memorable for all devotees, reinforcing the temple’s reputation as a center of faith, devotion, and cultural heritage.

With the festival period commencing on Dhanteras, devotees are encouraged to participate in the rituals, offer prayers, and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance created at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The administration has assured that the celebrations will be conducted smoothly, providing devotees with an opportunity to experience a spiritually and culturally enriched Diwali.