Visiting Varanasi over the Christmas weekend? From Friday, 25 December to Sunday, 27 December 2026, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) hosts its annual Malaviya Smriti Pushp Pradarshani (BHU Flower Show) on the grounds of Malaviya Bhavan.
Organized by the university's Horticulture Unit, this 3-day exhibition is Eastern Uttar Pradesh's largest annual winter flower festival. It features over 50 competitive classes, showcasing thousands of prize-winning chrysanthemums (guldaudi), roses, giant dahlias, miniature bonsai trees, and organic winter vegetables.
Entry is completely free. For travelers spending the year-end holidays in Varanasi, the flower show offers a peaceful, green outing on BHU’s shaded 1,300-acre campus—away from old-city crowds and steep riverfront staircases.
This guide provides practical details for planning your visit: confirmed daily hours, campus gate directions, parking and walking logistics, floral highlights, and fixed-fare transport options for reaching the campus.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) — 32 km via Varanasi Ring Road (45–55 min)
Nearest Rail Stations
Banaras (BSBS) 6 km · Varanasi Cantt (BSB) 8.5 km · DDU Junction 18 km
Why 25 December: The Heritage of Mahamana Malaviya
The BHU Flower Show is held every year on 25 December to honor the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (born 25 December 1861).
Malaviya founded Banaras Hindu University in 1916. He planned the campus with wide tree-lined boulevards, experimental agricultural fields, and deep green spaces to ensure students lived close to nature.
The History of Malaviya Bhavan
Malaviya Bhavan was originally the residential home where Mahamana lived while building and running the university. In 1961, during his centenary, the building was dedicated as a national memorial.
Today, Malaviya Bhavan houses:
The Memorial Archive: Rare historical photographs and personal items showing the freedom struggle and the founding of BHU.
Geeta-Yoga Library: A quiet collection of classical philosophy and spiritual literature.
The Memorial Lawns: Expansive, well-tended gardens that serve as the main venue for the annual winter flower competition.
On 25 December (Malaviya Jayanti), the day begins with morning prayers, Akhand Ramayan path, and floral tributes (pushpanjali) at Mahamana’s statue. In the evening at dusk (around 05:30 PM), thousands of small earthen lamps (diyas) are lit across the lawns, creating a warm golden glow across the flowers.
What Happens: The 3-Day Exhibition Schedule
The exhibition runs on a simple, predictable rhythm over three days:
[Friday, 25 Dec: Opening Day & Jayanti]
10:00 AM Inauguration ──> 11:30 AM Public Viewing ──> 05:30 PM Deepotsav
[Saturday, 26 Dec: Peak Exhibition Day]
09:00 AM Open ──> Midday Judging & Plant Stalls ──> 05:00 PM Music Recitals
[Sunday, 27 Dec: Final Day & Awards]
09:00 AM Open ──> 03:30 PM Prize Ceremony ──> 06:00 PM Conclusion
Day 1: Friday, 25 December 2026 — Inauguration & Malaviya Jayanti
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM: Morning prayers, Geeta chanting, and ceremonial flower tributes at Mahamana's statue.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Official ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Vice-Chancellor and invited guests.
11:30 AM – 08:00 PM: Public viewing opens across all exhibition rows.
05:30 PM – 07:30 PM: Evening Deepotsav—thousands of oil lamps are lit across Malaviya Bhavan lawns.
Visitor Advice: The morning has formal ceremonies. If you want a relaxed, unhurried walk, visit between 12:30 PM and 03:30 PM.
Day 2: Saturday, 26 December 2026 — Full Public Viewing & Cultural Evening
09:00 AM – 08:00 PM: Continuous public access to all plant, cut-flower, and vegetable rows.
11:00 AM – 03:00 PM: Expert panel judging for competitive categories. Local growers and university horticulturists are present to answer gardening questions.
05:00 PM – 07:30 PM: Evening devotional music, classical instrumental recitals, and bhajans inside the Malaviya Bhavan assembly hall.
Visitor Advice: This is the busiest day for local families. The afternoon sun (between 01:00 PM and 03:30 PM) is pleasant and warm.
Day 3: Sunday, 27 December 2026 — Awards Ceremony & Conclusion
09:00 AM – 03:30 PM: Final hours to view all exhibits and photograph prize-winning entries.
03:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Official prize distribution ceremony. Trophies and running shields are presented for the King of the Show, Queen of the Show, and best institutional garden.
06:00 PM: Exhibition officially closes, and plants are returned to growers.
Visitor Advice: If you want to see the award-winning flowers with their prize rosettes attached, visit before 03:00 PM.
Key Exhibits & What to See
The BHU Flower Show features more than 50 competition classes and several thousand individual potted entries.
Chrysanthemums are the centerpiece of the winter show. You will see over 150 varieties grown in pots:
Incurved and Reflexed Blooms: Large, globe-shaped flowers with tightly folded petals. The finest individual specimen receives the coveted "King of the Show" title.
Spider Varieties: Flowers with long, slender, tube-like petals that curve gently outward.
Pompons and Buttons: Miniature, dense spherical flowers clustered together.
Cascade Displays: Pots trained on wire frames so that hundreds of tiny blossoms flow downward like a colorful waterfall.
2. Roses (Gulab)
Hybrid Teas: Classic long-stemmed single blooms with high centers, displayed as fresh cut flowers in glass vials.
Floribundas and Miniatures: Pots bursting with dense clusters of red, pink, yellow, and white flowers.
Desi Fragrant Roses: Traditional Indian varieties prized for their sweet, natural perfume.
3. Giant Dahlias
Dahlias in Varanasi reach remarkable sizes in late December. Look for "Dinner-Plate Dahlias", whose blooms can measure 20 to 30 centimeters across. Colors range from deep velvety maroon and bright lavender to two-tone striped varieties.
4. Bonsai & Aged Miniature Trees
Gardeners from BHU departments, Diesel Locomotive Works (BLW), Northern Railway, and private collections display bonsai trees that have been trained for 15 to over 40 years:
Indian Species: Banyan (bargad), peepal, tamarind (imli), and bougainvillea grown in shallow ceramic trays.
Styles: Cascading, forest plantings with multiple small trunks, and trees growing over natural river rocks.
5. Organic Vegetables & Kitchen Gardening
Grown by BHU’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences and regional farmers:
Enormous organic cauliflowers and purple cabbages.
Crisp knol-khol, oversized table radishes, and colorful bell peppers.
Informational stalls demonstrating home vermicomposting and organic pot mixes.
6. Thematic Floral Sculptures
Each year, floral artists build large decorative models made of thousands of fresh marigolds, chrysanthemums, and foliage. Past editions have featured replicas of the Chandrayaan lunar lander, Ram Mandir Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and colorful floral peacocks.
Campus Gates, Parking & Walking Reality
The 1,300-acre BHU campus is green and orderly, but distances between gates and faculties are long. Understanding the layout avoids unnecessary walking:
[Lanka Market / Crossing]
|
[Lanka Gate / Malviya Dwar]
| (800m main road)
v
[MALAVIYA BHAVAN]
(Flower Show & Parking)
|
+-------------------+-------------------+
| (600m) | (1.2 km)
v v
[Bharat Kala Bhavan] [New Vishwanath Temple (VT)]
| |
+-------------------+-------------------+
|
[Hyderabad Gate]
|
[Susuwahi / Outer Ring Road Bypass]
Which Gate Should You Use?
Lanka Gate (Singhadwar / Malviya Dwar):
The primary ceremonial archway facing Lanka market.
Ideal if you are staying in Lanka, Assi Ghat, or Durgakund.
Malaviya Bhavan is located 800 meters straight down the main road from this gate.
Hyderabad Gate (Susuwahi):
Located on the southwestern edge of campus.
Crucial Route Tip: This gate connects directly to the Varanasi Outer Ring Road and NH-19. If you are arriving directly from Babatpur Airport (VNS) or an outstation highway, tell your driver to take Hyderabad Gate. You bypass the heavy traffic jams of Godowlia, Sigra, and Lanka market entirely.
Parking & Senior Citizen Accessibility
Where Cars Park: Outside vehicles can enter campus. Security guides cars to designated parking lots near the Faculty of Arts or the Central Library, just 100 to 200 meters flat walk from the Malaviya Bhavan gates.
Terrain: The grounds are completely flat, with paved roads and level lawns. There are zero steep stone staircases, making this venue very easy for elderly parents, people with knee pain, and families with baby strollers.
Internal E-Rickshaws: Shared e-rickshaws run along the main boulevard from Lanka Gate to New VT (₹10–₹20 per passenger), but during the flower show weekend they fill up quickly. Having a private cab drop you inside campus is the most comfortable choice.
Weather in Late December: What to Expect & Pack
Late December in Varanasi brings crisp, cool winter conditions:
Pleasant Sunny Afternoons (19°C – 24°C): From 11:00 AM to 03:30 PM, the winter sun feels warm and comfortable. A light sweater or cardigan is usually enough while walking through the gardens.
Sharp Morning & Evening Chill (9°C – 12°C): Once the sun sets around 05:15 PM, temperatures drop quickly. If you plan to stay for the evening Deepotsav or music programs, carry a warm woolen jacket or fleece.
Airport Winter Fog Delays: Babatpur Airport (VNS) frequently experiences dense morning fog (<100m visibility) between 05:30 AM and 09:30 AM.
Travel Tip: When booking your flight to Varanasi, choose flights scheduled to arrive between 11:30 AM and 03:30 PM, when the sun has cleared the runway fog.
Fixed Vehicle Fares for BHU & City Sightseeing
Avoid haggling with street autos or dealing with app-cab cancellations inside the campus. Kashi Taxi provides transparent, fixed-fare cars with professional local drivers:
Service / Route
AC Sedan (1–4 pax)
AC Ertiga (1–6 pax)
Innova Crysta (1–6 pax)
17-Seater Tempo
Airport (VNS) ⇄ BHU Campus (via Ring Road)
₹899
₹1,299
₹1,800
₹2,500
Varanasi Cantt Station (BSB) ⇄ BHU
₹650
₹950
₹1,400
₹2,000
DDU Junction (Mughalsarai) ⇄ BHU
₹1,100
₹1,500
₹2,200
₹2,600
Half-Day South Varanasi Tour (4h / 40km)
₹1,600
₹2,000
₹2,800
₹3,200
Full-Day City Disposal (8h / 80km)
₹2,499
₹2,800
₹3,800
₹4,250
Extended 12-Hour Tour with Sarnath (12h / 120km)
₹3,200
₹3,900
₹5,200
₹5,500
Pilgrimage & Boat Charter Rates:
Private Sunrise or Sunset Boat Charter (Assi Ghat to Central Ghats): ₹3,500 (up to 6 passengers) | ₹4,500 (up to 15 passengers) | ₹6,500 (large spectator boat up to 30 passengers). Regulated rates matching the repository ERP pricing authority (data/erpServicePricing.json).
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Sulabh Darshan: ₹500 per person (₹300 official temple trust pass + ₹200 queue escort service).
Suggested 1-Day South Varanasi & BHU Itinerary
You can easily combine the flower show with the cultural highlights of South Varanasi:
06:30 AM – 08:00 AM (Sunrise Boat Ride): Start at Assi Ghat (3.2 km from BHU). Board a private wooden motorboat to watch the morning bathing rituals and morning mist along the ghats.
08:15 AM – 09:15 AM (Breakfast & Malaiyo): Head to Lanka Gate. Enjoy hot kachori-sabzi and a kulhad of winter saffron malaiyo (fresh milk foam prepared under the morning dew).
10:00 AM – 01:00 PM (BHU Flower Show): Enter Malaviya Bhavan. Spend two relaxed hours admiring the chrysanthemums, roses, and bonsai. Visit the Mahamana photo gallery inside.
01:15 PM – 02:30 PM (Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum): Walk 600m to the university museum to view ancient Indian sculptures, miniature paintings, and historical textiles.
02:30 PM – 03:30 PM (Lunch): Enjoy a calm satvik thali at a local restaurant in Lanka or Ravindrapuri.
03:45 PM – 05:00 PM (New Vishwanath Temple / Birla VT): Drive 1.2 km down the central campus boulevard to the 77-meter marble temple. Its sanctum walls are carved with all 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita.
05:30 PM – 06:15 PM (Sankat Mochan Temple): Visit the historic Hanuman temple founded by Tulsidas, located just outside the campus perimeter.
06:45 PM – 07:45 PM (Evening Ganga Aarti): Conclude your day at Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat for the synchronized riverfront evening prayers.
Visiting the 3-day Malaviya Smriti Pushp Pradarshani at Malaviya Bhavan, BHU (25–27 December 2026)? Book dedicated full-day disposal cabs, Ring Road airport transfers, and South Varanasi temple circuits at verified fixed rates.
₹2,499 full-day (8h/80km) dedicated AC cab / ₹2,800 Ertiga / ₹4,250 Tempo — Malaviya Bhavan parking, New VT & Sankat Mochan circuit
Bypass city gridlock: 45-minute direct airport transfer via Varanasi Ring Road to BHU (₹899 Sedan / ₹1,299 Ertiga)
Zero walking fatigue for seniors: Flat doorstep drop at Malaviya Bhavan lawns without tackling steep old-city stairs
Combine with morning Assi Ghat boat ride (₹3,500 up to 6 pax) and Kashi Vishwanath Sulabh Darshan (₹500)
Strict zero holiday surge — clean AC vehicles with verified, punctual local drivers
🌸 Full-Day Cab ₹2,499·✈️ Airport Ring Road Cab ₹899·🚐 Group Tempo ₹4,250·🛡️ Fixed Zero-Surge Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the confirmed dates and venue for the BHU Flower Show 2026?
The BHU Flower Show (Malaviya Smriti Pushp Pradarshani) takes place from Friday, 25 December to Sunday, 27 December 2026 on the lawns of Malaviya Bhavan inside the Banaras Hindu University campus in southern Varanasi. Public viewing runs from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM on 25 December, 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM on 26 December, and 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM on 27 December.
Is there an entry ticket or fee to visit the BHU Flower Show?
No. Entry to the Malaviya Smriti Pushp Pradarshani is 100% free for all students, local residents, and visiting tourists. You do not need any pass, gate ticket, or online registration to walk into the Malaviya Bhavan grounds and view the exhibits.
Can outside taxis and private cars enter the BHU campus during the flower show?
Yes. Taxis, app cabs, and private cars can enter the BHU campus through Lanka Gate (Malviya Dwar) or Hyderabad Gate (Susuwahi). Security directs vehicles to designated parking areas near the Faculty of Arts or the Central Library, located just 100 to 200 meters flat walking distance from Malaviya Bhavan.
Why is the BHU Flower Show held specifically on 25 December?
The exhibition opens every year on 25 December to celebrate the birth anniversary of BHU founder, Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (born 25 December 1861). The opening day includes morning Vedic recitations, floral tributes at Mahamana's statue, and an evening lighting of thousands of earthen lamps across the grounds.
Is the BHU Flower Show suitable for senior citizens and families with children?
Yes, it is one of the most accessible winter outings in Varanasi. Unlike the steep river ghats with 80 to 120 stone steps, Malaviya Bhavan sits on flat, paved ground with smooth garden pathways. Wheelchairs and strollers move easily, and campus traffic is calm and shaded.
How can visitors combine the flower show with other Varanasi attractions?
You can easily spend a full day in South Varanasi: start with a sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat (3.2 km away), enjoy morning malaiyo near Lanka Gate, visit the flower show and Bharat Kala Bhavan museum at Malaviya Bhavan, pray at the New Vishwanath Temple (Birla VT), and visit Sankat Mochan Temple before evening Ganga Aarti.
