Varanasi has always been a shelter to those who seek spiritualism and devotion. The crowded narrow maze-like streets lead to peaceful ghats. The sun shines upon the river ganga as it glistens, while the city awakens and sleeps. Varanasi is truly a nexus for seeking the truth of life. If you choose to celebrate the new year in Varanasi, be ready for your heart to be filled with the cosmic energy of space and your steps to lead to where the truth lies. Enjoy the ambience of Varanasi and let yourself dissolve. So, pack your bags and head on to Varanasi for these timeless moments.
An Ultimate Guide to Ring in the New Year in Varanasi
The New Year almost feels like a rebirth, and what better place than Varanasi to experience it in an immersive manner. Varanasi, formerly known as Kashi or Banaras, has a story whose roots intertwine with Sanatan history and spirituality. As a city said to be handcrafted by Lord Shiva itself, the divinity of the place attracts millions of people every year. But religious places are not all that the pious city of Varanasi has to offer. The celebration of New Year in Varanasi will surely send you down an emotional rollercoaster involving not only an awakening but also a lively and blissful celebration of the New Year. All of this sounds very overwhelming yet electrifying.
If you want to spend your new year with a balance between spiritualism and celebration, we have curated the top 10 places to celebrate the New Year in Varanasi.
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Kashi Chat Bhandar
- VNS Live Studio
- Drinks On Board
- C2H5 Club
- Deena Chat Bhandar
- Captain Nova- Lounge and Bar
- Princep Bar
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Famously known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is the one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the perfect place to pray for the blessings of Lord Shiva at the start of a new chapter in your life. The most intriguing part of the temple is its architecture. The intricately crafted golden spire is plated with 800 kilograms of gold. Getting to the shrine amongst the bustling crowd is tough but there is a sense of calm that befalls you once you pray under its light. To witness Kashi Vishwanath’s entire glory and glamour, you can attend one of the aartis held at various times throughout the day. The Varanasi new year party is just a bit different.
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Opening Hours: 3 am - 8:30 pm (Aarti in the beginning and end)
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Tridev
- Ganges Grand
- Hotel Pradeep
- Hotel Rameshwaram
- The golden Lodge Varanasi
Nearby Restaurants:
- Blue Lassi
- Meghu Cafe
- Dosa cafe
- Aadha Aadha Cafe
- Vishnu Tea Emporium
Nearby Attractions:
- Man Singh Observatory
- Prayag Ghat
- Bhonsale Ghat
- Beniya Park
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
When you think of Varanasi, the picture that comes to your mind are the grand aartis (rituals) at the ghats of Dashashwamedh. The vibrant dance of different bustling areas of this place intertwine to create a symphony of liveliness that recharges you. Witness the most picturesque scenes out here starting with the aarti itself which is a grand affair, followed by the meditating yogis, spiritualists and the flower markets. The apex moment of the aartis is when the priests in their saffron robes blow into the conch producing the loudest yet most quieting sound. The resonating sound of a conch puts your mind at rest and refreshes you for the entire aarti and rituals that follow. The new year events in Varanasi are usually concentrated around this ghat. Don’t forget to take the best pictures of the aarti too. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold.
Location: D10/19, Dashashwamedh Road, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Aarti Timings: 6:45 pm onwards
Nearby Hotels:
- The Keshari Restaurant
- Deepu Bhaiyya Ji Chai
- Moksha
- Zee Cafeista
- Apex Ganges View Restaurant
Nearby Restaurants:
- Brijrama Palace
- Hotel KV Palace
- Rashmi Guest House
- Hotel Sita
- Dwivedi Hotels
Nearby Attractions:
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Varanasi Gangetic Ferry Line
- Shree Ramtaraka Andhra Aashram
- Chauki Ghat
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Suggested Read: Best Places in the World to Celebrate New Year
3. Assi Ghat
Where the rivers meet, and magic emerges. What a sight to behold, we now head to Assi Ghat, the confluence of the Holy Ganga and Assi River. If your heart desires a new year party in Varanasi, the Subah-e-Banaras at the Assi Ghat might change your mind. It is a cultural and spiritual event that pays tribute to nature and welcomes each new day with Vedic Yagyas and Ragas (traditional rituals). This ghat is the perfect place for one to start their new year. Not only the mornings but evening the evenings are equally seraphic as the Ganga Aarti (tribute to the river Ganges) begins. To find more angelic places, head onto our India New Year packages.
Location: Assi Rd, Near Assi Ghat Police Chowki, Beside Ganga River, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Subah e- Banaras Timings: 5:30 am onwards
Nearby Hotels:
- Ganga Monastery
- Hotel Temple on Ganges
- Hotel De Bouganvilla
- Hotel Banaras Haveli
- Hotel Ganesha
Nearby Restaurants:
- Nirvana Cafe
- Teaquilla
- Ithihaas Alley kitchen
- Shiv Ganga Restaurant
- Karki Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Assi Ghat, Ganga Aarti Place
- Tulsi Ghat
- Guru Ravidas Ganga River Tour Boat Pier
- Shivala Ghat
- Sant Ravidas Smarak Park
Suggested Read: Start Your New Year in Kolkata: The City of Joy Welcomes You in Style
4. Kashi Chat Bhandar
If bars and clubs aren’t your thing and you want to celebrate a lowkey New Year in Varanasi with your closest friends roaming in the Labyrinth streets of Varanasi, you might want to drop by at Kashi Chat Bhandar. It is not only a place to bless your taste buds but also to create unforgettable memories with those you love the most. Kashi Chat Bhandar offers the most delectable chaats, including the Tangy Tamatar Chaat and Palakpatta Chaat. The sweet and spicy symphony that you taste on your tongue is an experience you’d want to keep coming back to. Relish the most authentic tastes in India and have an experience of a lifetime, check out our article on places to visit in India.
Location: D 37/47, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Opening Hours: 1 pm to 10:30 pm
Nearby Hotels:
- Brijrama Palace
- Hotel KV Palace
- Rashmi Guest House
- Hotel Sita
- Dwivedi Hotels
Nearby Restaurants:
- The Keshari Restaurant
- Deepu Bhaiyya Ji Chai
- Moksha
- Zee Cafeista
- Apex Ganges View Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Varanasi Gangetic Ferry Line
- Shree Ramtaraka Andhra Aashram
- Chauki Ghat
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Suggested Read: Best Places to Attend the New Year Parties in Mumbai
5. VNS Live Studio
VNS Live Studio claims to send you on a culinary journey in an Indo-Chinese Restro-Lounge with outdoor and indoor seating. They have a carefully selected series of Herbal Sheesha. VNS Live Studio also promotes Musical Talent of Varanasi by hosting live concerts and band performances on the weekends and on New Year. It is an amazing place to discover new music and artists. This place also conducts numerous fun activities, such as Photo Props and Harley Davidson test rides for people who love riding cruisers. For gamers, this place is a heaven that offers Xbox Motion and Controller Games. And lastly for the sports and movie fans, they have various sports screenings, movie nights, etc. VNS Live Studio is a well-liked Restaurant in the city of Varanasi by people of all age groups. Whatever your heart desires on the New Year, VNS Live Studio will deliver. Also, if you don’t know what to do for the rest of your trip, check out our article on things to do in India.
Location: Hotel Varuna, 22, Gulab Bagh Colony, Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
Opening Hours: 24/7
Nearby Hotels:
- Taj Ganges Varanasi
- Hotel Varanasi Inn
- Hibiscus By ITH Stays
- Hotel RK Grand
- Hotel Abhinav International
Nearby Restaurants:
- Pizza Hut
- Domino’s
- RRD Restaurant
- Wife on Leave
- Swad Deshi Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- BHU
- IP Sigra Mall
- Shri Batuk Bhairav Temple
- Ram Kund
- Jangamwadi Math
Suggested Read: Celebrate New Year in Hyderabad with Exciting Events & Parties
6. Drinks On Board
Come on board to the most fun place in Varanasi with rooftop seating, karaoke and live music. Drinks on Board is Varanasi’s top nightlife destination. It has an electrifying presence with the ambience, music and food, all of it being top notch it serves a variety of Indian, Italian and Chinese foods with a tangy and tasty twist in them. They also have a booze section with various concoctions to get you absolutely hammered. Visit Drinks on Board if you want to have a good time.
Location: Plot No-20, Police Station, opp. Sigra, Badshahbag Colony, Gulab Bagh Colony, Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
Opening Hours: 11 am to 12 am
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel R K grand
- Hotel City Inn
- Hotel Varanasi Inn
- Hibiscus by ITH Stays
- Hotel Abhinav International
Nearby Restaurants:
- Wife on Leave
- VNS Live Studio
- Rominus
- Taste on Tip
- Domino’s
Nearby Attractions:
- Beniya Park
- Nehru Park
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Man Singh Observatory
Suggested Read: New Year in Delhi: Countdown with Unforgettable Events and Parties
7. C2H5 Club
If you want to dance the night away with some drinks in your hand, come along with us to celebrate the new year parties in Varanasi at the C2H5 bar. C2H5 features dance floors, karaoke, live music and concerts, delicious food and special requests by customers. It has a signature blue lighting, fun and innovative drinks, an amazing selection of Indian and Chinese foods and snacks. If you want to end this year with a bang, C2H5’s got you.
Location: 21/89-E, above Mochi Showroom, Mahamandal Nagar, Lahurabir, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Opening Hours: 12 pm to 1 am
Nearby Hotels:
- Taj Ganges Varanasi
- Hotel Varanasi Inn
- Hibiscus By ITH Stays
- Hotel RK Grand
- Hotel Abhinav International
Nearby Restaurants:
- LemonGrass Restaurant
- Maharaja Foods
- Kalika Family Restaurant
- Double Spoon Multicuisine Restaurant
- Devanshi City Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Beniya Park
- Nehru Park
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Man Singh Observatory
Suggested Read: Explore Top Places for an Amazing New Year in Shimla
8. Deena Chat Bhandar
When you ask a local about the most famous place to eat, this place is sure to pop up. Deena Chat Bhandar is one of the oldest and best places to taste all kinds of hats and other delicious vegetarian snacks. Some of the most famous snacks out here are the Aloo Tikki, Chura Matar and Gulab Jamun. You can come to this place if you want to spend the evening with your friends on a budget and still have loads of snacks to eat. As this is practically one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi, this place is usually very crowded so be ready for it.
Location: D47/184, only one branch, Luxa Rd, near PDR mall, Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Opening timings: 2 pm to 10 pm
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Tridev
- Ganges Grand
- Hotel Pradeep
- Hotel Rameshwaram
- The golden Lodge Varanasi
Nearby Restaurants:
- Ganga Fuji
- Prasadam Restaurant
- Maa Vaishno Bhojanalaya
- Shri Radha Rasoi and Cafe
- Foodholic Banaras
Nearby Attractions:
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Kashi Dham Museum
- Ganga Ghat
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Jangamwadi Math
Suggested Read: New Year in Goa: Time to Celebrate Under Lightning Sky
9. Captain Nova- Lounge and Bar
Aye Aye, Captain! This party place is all rave with its full day booze parties and outdoor seating. Captain Nova is a party place for all the party people who enjoy loud music, karaoke and concert like ambience. Embrace the parties of new year in India. Captain Nova serves tasty Indo Chinese dishes along with all kinds of alcohol and mocktails. This high energy place is perfect for the new year celebration in Varanasi. Pull out your best dance outfits because you’re going to have the time of your life in Varanasi at Captain Nova.
Location: B 27/88-34-A, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Opening timings: 12 pm to 12 am
Nearby Hotels:
- The Ganga Monastery
- Hotel Ozas Grand
- Diamond Varanasi
- Hotel Sai Palace
- Hotel Puja Residency
Nearby Restaurants:
- Krystal Kitchen Restro
- Red Chilli Restaurant
- Kingslayer Family Restaurant and Party Spot
- Roma’s cafe diner
- Shivaz Restaurant
Nearby Attractions:
- Shri Guru Ravidas Gate
- Sant Ravidas Smarak Park
- Assi Ghat
- Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
- Anand Park
Suggested Read: Top Places to Celebrate a New Year in Manali for a Memorable Start
10. Prinsep Bar
We didn’t forget about the couples out there. If you want to celebrate the New Year Eve in Varanasi with your partner in a calm place where you can enjoy the company of each other, Prinsep Bar is the perfect place for you. It is a small, quaint bar with a sleek old-school wood ambience and comfortable seating. They offer a beautiful variety of French and Indian cuisines. Their bar menu consists of a variety of wines, drinks and concoctions that are quintessential for a romantic night out. Enjoy the new year night with your partner in a peaceful place at Prinsep.
Location: Ground, Taj Ganges Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
Opening timings: 12 pm to 12 am
Nearby Hotels:
- Taj Nadesar
- Taj Ganges Varanasi
- Maple Leaf Hotel
- The India Benaras
- Hotel Meraden Grand
Nearby Restaurants:
- Mughlai Hut
- Holy Chopsticks
- Treat cafe and Dine
- The Urban Food Court
- The Big Chilli
Nearby Attractions:
- Aircraft Statue
- Nehru Park
- Shaheed Park
- Sampurnanand Sports Complex
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath
Celebrating New Year in Varanasi is surely unconventional, and yet if you choose to delve into the divinity of the air that surrounds the city, you will experience the awakening of your purpose for the coming year. The blessings of Varanasi are not only felt while within the city, but the spirit of the city also becomes a part of your own. The magic of the architecture, traditions and lifestyle of Varanasi will not only reel you in but will inspire you to explore the depth of the meaning of truly living. Be sure to hold onto it and live for the moments that bleed into your soul. If travelling is what your soul desires, we have our handcrafted India tour packages to further your journey of exploring more of the outside to know what lies within. Happy New Year!
New Year in Varanasi - FAQs
Varanasi is very famously known as a spiritual and holy place for many religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. You can expect very spiritual celebrations of the new year. Although for New Year’s Eve, consider visiting a pub/ bar mentioned above.
There are many boat tours along the ferry lines, the marigold boat tour along the Darbhanga Ghat and also many walking tours (yatras) of all the ghats of the place.
Varanasi is a place where rickshaws, autos and other means of transportation are abundant. You can also book inter-city cabs and buses to visit nearby places like Sarnath.
There are many places you can visit in Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow which offer a complete contrast to the religious surroundings of Varanasi. You can also visit Ayodhya and Mathura if you want to continue exploring Sanatan history.
There are many things to eat in Varanasi under vegetarian cuisines. Some of the famous places you can visit are Kachori gali, Chaat Bhandar and Shreeji ki Malai that will give a taste of the street style culture infused within its food.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Varanasi but there are a few things you must be careful of. Firstly, do not disrupt any rituals or traditions while you’re photographing them and ask for permission before you take any portraits of locals.
One should consider taking care of a few things:
- It is advised to dress modestly
- Do not to litter in and around the temples and ghats
- Do not engage in heated topics such as politics or religion
- Take off chappals before stepping into temples
- Bargaining is fine but aggressive bargaining is not
- It is appreciated to offer donations during your visit, not mandatory
Varanasi offers a lot of Boat rides, yoga training centers and live classical music to really root your feelings into the heart of this place.
You can visit Varanasi for 5-7 days and plan out an extensive itinerary for the same. If you want to visit only a few famous places, you can complete that tour in about 3 days.
Some historical places that you can visit are in Sarnath, such as the Chaukhandi Stupa, and various museums and forts that you can tour to have a complete sense of the past of Varanasi.1.
.webp "New Year in Singapore: 8 Fascinating Places to Ring in 2025")
