Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2026: Confirmed Dates, Registration, Itinerary & Travel Guide
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has officially confirmed that the fifth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 5.0) will take place from Saturday, 28 November to Saturday, 12 December 2026.
Under the overarching initiative of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, KTS 5.0 celebrates the centuries-old spiritual, intellectual, and artisan bonds linking Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The central theme for the 2026 edition is “Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen” (Let us learn and practice the Thirukkural), centering on the universal ethical philosophy of the sage poet Thiruvalluvar.
The official application portal hosted by IIT Madras (https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in/) opened on 22 October 2026 and accepts registrations until Friday, 13 November 2026. Approximately 1,400 selected delegates across seven batches will travel on sponsored itineraries. At the same time, thousands of independent Tamil pilgrims, scholars, family groups, and spiritual seekers will arrive in Varanasi on their own.
Whether you are an official delegate preparing for your batch schedule or an independent family planning a self-funded pilgrimage, this guide outlines the confirmed dates, registration details, the 8-day batch itinerary, Tamil heritage sites along the ghats, dining options, and practical transport logistics.
1. Fast Facts & 2026 Edition Confirmation
| Detail | Official 2026 Arrangement |
|---|
| Event Dates | 28 November – 12 December 2026 (15 continuous days) |
| Registration Window | 22 October – 13 November 2026 on kashitamil.iitm.ac.in |
| Central Theme | Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen |
| Key Host Entities | Ministry of Education, IIT Madras (Nodal), Banaras Hindu University (Host), CICT Chennai |
| Total Official Batches | 7 batches of ~200 participants each (~1,400 total delegates) |
| Cities Covered | Varanasi (Base & BHU), Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Ayodhya (Ram Mandir) |
| Main Academic Venue | Banaras Hindu University (Amphitheatre Ground & Swatantrata Bhawan) |
| Riverside & Temple Hubs | Kedar Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Public Access | Free open access to BHU exhibitions, cultural stages, and all city temples |
Planning Note: While official delegates receive government-sponsored train transport and shared lodging, registration closes on 13 November 2026. Independent visitors do not need passes to attend the open exhibitions at BHU, watch evening cultural performances, or visit the historic Tamil ghats and temples.
[!IMPORTANT]
Official Registration & Free Delegate Pass Notice:
Registration for official government-sponsored delegate batches is conducted exclusively by the Government of India and IIT Madras at https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in/.
This website is an independent travel information guide. We do not process delegate applications, issue free railway passes, or manage government guest house bookings. Please do not call or message requesting free bookings or government passes.
2. Who Can Apply: The 7 Delegate Categories
The Government of India and IIT Madras have organized delegate participation across seven distinct community categories:
- Students (छात्र): Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral researchers enrolled in Tamil Nadu colleges and universities.
- Teachers (शिक्षक): School teachers and higher secondary educators focusing on Indian languages, literature, and social sciences.
- Writers & Media Professionals (लेखक एवं मीडिया कर्मी): Authors, Tamil journalists, columnists, poets, and cultural documentarians.
- Agriculture & Allied Sectors (कृषि एवं संबद्ध क्षेत्र): Progressive farmers, FPO leaders, and rural entrepreneurs.
- Professionals & Artisans (पेशेवर, शिल्पकार व बुनकर): Handloom weavers, traditional sculptors, architects, physicians, engineers, and advocates.
- Women (महिलाएं): Women entrepreneurs, community organizers, and self-help group leaders.
- Spiritual Leaders & Temple Trustees (आध्यात्मिक व धार्मिक प्रतिनिधि): Adheenam representatives, mutt administrators, temple priests, and Vedic scholars.
The Application Reality
With more than 100,000 Tamil Nadu residents applying for roughly 1,400 sponsored seats, competition is intense. If you are not selected, you can easily replicate the official circuit independently. Varanasi’s airport, railway terminals, riverside guesthouses, and outstation highways operate normally throughout the two-week event.
3. The 8-Day Batch Circuit (Varanasi – Prayagraj – Ayodhya)
Each official delegate batch follows a structured 8-day itinerary. Independent travelers can use this proven sequence to plan their own private journey:
[Days 1–2: Travel to Varanasi] ──► [Day 3: Kashi Spiritual Core & BHU] ──► [Day 4: Prayagraj Sangam Day-Trip]
│
[Days 7–8: Return Journey] ◄── [Day 6: Tamil Ghats & Silk Weavers] ◄─── [Day 5: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Day-Trip]
Days 1 & 2: Journey from Tamil Nadu to Varanasi
- Official Delegates: Travel via special chartered KTS express trains arranged by Southern Railway and the Ministry of Railways, arriving at Banaras Station (BSBS) or Varanasi Junction (BSB).
- Independent Travellers: Direct daily flights connect Chennai (MAA) to Varanasi (VNS) in 2 hours 25 minutes, with one-stop connections available from Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli. Airport taxis and pre-arranged vehicles cover the 28 km drive from the airport to city hotels in 45–50 minutes.
Day 3: Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ganga Aarti & BHU Inauguration
- Morning: Holy dip in the Ganga followed by darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Entering through the riverfront Ganga Dwar or Gate 4 (Gyanvapi) allows manageable queue times.
- Afternoon: Academic seminars and literary discussions centered on the Thirukkural at the BHU Amphitheatre Ground and Swatantrata Bhawan.
- Evening: Grand evening Ganga Aarti viewing from the ghat steps or a private wooden boat at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Day 4: Same-Day Excursion to Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam)
- Morning Departure: Leave Varanasi at 06:00 AM via the six-lane NH-19 highway (125 km, 2.5 to 3 hours).
- Sangam Snan: Board a traditional wooden boat at Qila Ghat or Saraswati Ghat to reach the sacred Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and subterranean Saraswati) for a holy bath.
- Temple Circuit: Visit the subterranean Bade Hanuman Ji Temple (reclining posture) and Alopi Devi Shakti Peeth.
- Evening: Return to Varanasi by 06:30 PM for dinner.
Day 5: Same-Day Excursion to Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi)
- Early Departure: Depart Varanasi at 05:30 AM via NH-330 / Purvanchal link road (220 km, 4 to 4.5 hours).
- Ram Mandir Darshan: Visit the newly consecrated Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, followed by darshan at Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan.
- Sarayu Riverfront: Walk along Ram Ki Paidi and witness the Sarayu evening aarti before beginning the return drive to Varanasi.
Day 6: Living Tamil Heritage Trail & Banarasi Silk Weavers
- Morning: Guided walking tour of Kashi’s historic Tamil quarter along Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat.
- Afternoon: Visit the Deendayal Upadhyaya Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Bada Lalpur or private handloom weaving clusters in Sarai Mohana to explore the historical trade links between Banarasi brocades and Kanchipuram silk.
- Evening: Valedictory cultural music and dance performances at BHU.
Days 7 & 8: Return Journey
Delegates and travelers begin their return journey to Tamil Nadu by chartered train or commercial flight.
4. The Tamil Heritage Circuit in Kashi
Centuries before modern highway networks existed, Tamil kings, saints, scholars, and pilgrims established enduring cultural institutions in Varanasi. Visiting these landmarks provides a deeper perspective on why Kashi and Tamil Nadu share such strong cultural ties:
[Kedar Ghat & Gauri Kedareshwar] ──► [Kumaraswamy Mutt (17th C)] ──► [Hanuman Ghat & Kanchi Math]
│
[Muthuswami Dikshitar Samadhi Trail] ◄── [Subramania Bharati Illam (B 5/26)] ◄──┘
1. Kedar Ghat & Sri Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir
Regarded as the primary spiritual home for Tamil Shaivites in Kashi. The temple sits right on the riverbank, its stone facade painted in bold vertical red-and-white stripes (pattas) identical to Tamil Nadu temple gopurams. Puranic tradition in the Kashi Khanda holds that Lord Shiva granted a devout South Indian king his wish to worship Kedar lingam right here on the Ganga without trekking to the Himalayas.
2. Sri Kumaraswamy Mutt (Thiruppanandal Adheenam)
Located directly on the steps of Kedar Ghat, this 350-year-old institution was founded in the 17th century by Kumara Gurupara Swamigal, a celebrated Tamil Saiva Siddhanta saint from Srivaikuntam. According to historical tradition, Kumara Gurupara addressed the Mughal court in fluent Hindustani through the divine grace of Goddess Saraswati, secured land for the mutt on the riverfront, and composed the classic poem Kasi Kalambakam. The mutt has provided free food (annadhanam) and dharamshala accommodation to Tamil pilgrims for over three centuries.
3. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati Illam (Shiva Madam, Hanuman Ghat)
At House No. B 5/26, Hanuman Ghat, stands the historic ancestral home where modern Tamil literature’s greatest poet, Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, lived and studied between 1898 and 1902. Bharatiyar was brought to Kashi by his maternal aunt and uncle Krishna Sivan after his mother passed away.
During his four years here, he studied Sanskrit and Hindi at Central Hindu College, engaged in lively political debates, took daily ritual baths at Hanuman Ghat, and adopted his signature turban and upturned mustache for the first time. The Government of Uttar Pradesh renovated the house into a public memorial museum and library, preserving his portrait, writings, and family relics.
4. Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (Hanuman Ghat)
Established under the patronage of the Jagadgurus of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, this complex houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi Amman, an active Veda Patasala training young priests in Krishna Yajur Veda, and a clean dining hall serving traditional South Indian satvik meals.
5. The Nattukottai Nagarathar 200-Year Maheshwara Puja
The Nattukottai Nagarathar (Chettiar) merchant community of Chettinad holds a unique privilege at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. For more than two centuries without a single day's interruption, their charitable trust has funded and supplied the sacred milk for the pre-dawn Pancha-Amrita abhishekam and the midday Maheshwara Puja anna-daan offering to Lord Shiva.
6. Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Sacred Compositions
One of the celebrated Trinity of Carnatic Music, Muthuswami Dikshitar, lived for five years at Hanuman and Kedar Ghats under his guru Chidambaranatha Yogi (whose samadhi is preserved at Kumaraswamy Mutt). It was on the steps of Hanuman Ghat that Dikshitar received his divine Saraswati Veena with the upward-facing yali from the waters of the Ganga and composed iconic kritis including Kasi Visvesvara Nayake, Annapurne Visalakshi, and Gange Mam Pahi.
5. Practical Traveller Decisions: Stay, Food & Transport
Where to Stay: Comparing the Options
Tamil travelers often face a trade-off between traditional atmosphere and physical accessibility. Here is the reality of the main accommodation hubs:
| Area | Accessibility & Roads | Walking Distance to Sights | Best Suited For |
|---|
| Ravindrapuri / Assi Ghat | Grade A (Paved roads): Direct taxi access to hotel entrance. Flat terrain. | 5–10 min drive to BHU; 12–15 min walk to Hanuman Ghat; 2 min walk to Assi. | Families, seniors, and independent groups. Highly recommended. |
| Kedar / Hanuman Ghat | Grade D (No-Vehicle Zone): Alleys are strictly pedestrian. Taxis stop 400m away at Sonarpura. | 0 min to Tamil mutts and mess; 20 min walk to Kashi Vishwanath. | Young travelers and solo pilgrims traveling light with backpacks. |
| Cantonment (Cantt) / Nadesar | Grade A (Wide avenues): 5-star hotels (Taj Ganges, Radisson) with luggage porters. | 35–50 min drive through city traffic to BHU or ghats. | Business travelers and luxury seekers prioritizing five-star amenities. |
Food & Dining for Tamil Travellers
If you or your traveling family members require authentic vegetarian South Indian food, Varanasi has several reliable options:
- Kashi Annapoorna South Indian Mess (Kedar Ghat): Serves traditional banana-leaf meals with authentic sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal, appalam, and curd.
- Sri Kanchi Mutt Bhojanalaya (Hanuman Ghat): Temple-style satvik meals prepared daily for visiting pilgrims.
- Ayyar’s Cafe (Dashashwamedh Gali): Operational since 1945; celebrated for hot South Indian filter coffee, crisp vadas, and South Indian snacks.
- Kerala Cafe (Bhelupur Crossing): A clean, air-conditioned family restaurant serving fresh dosas, idlis, and filter coffee.
- Local Delicacies to Try: In late November and early December, do not miss Malaiyo (a cloud-like winter saffron milk foam served in clay kulhads at Chaukhamba), freshly made Tamatar Chaat at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, and thick Banarasi Lassi.
Weather & What to Pack
Late November to mid-December offers some of the most pleasant weather of the year in Varanasi:
- Daytime: Sunny and comfortable, ranging between 24°C and 27°C. Light cotton clothing or traditional dhotis and sarees are ideal.
- Dawn & Evening: Cool river breezes drop temperatures to 11°C–14°C.
- Packing Essentials: Bring a light cardigan, sweater, or wool shawl for early morning boat rides (06:00 AM) and evening cultural programs at BHU. Carry clean cotton grip socks to protect your feet from cold stone temple floors inside Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
6. Vehicle Drop-off Points & Ghat Walking Logistics
Varanasi’s old city operates under strict traffic rules. Taxis cannot drive directly to the riverfront or into temple lanes. Use these verified outer drop points:
- For Banaras Hindu University (BHU Events):
Cabs drop passengers at Lanka Gate (BHU Main Gate). From there, university battery e-rickshaws provide flat transfers inside the green campus directly to the Amphitheatre Ground and Swatantrata Bhawan.
- For Kashi Vishwanath Dham:
Ask your driver to drop you at Benia Bagh Multi-Level Parking. From Benia Bagh, it is an easy 650-meter flat walk along Bansphatak straight to Gate 4 (Gyanvapi). Alternatively, drop at Maidagin Town Hall for an 800-meter walk to Gate 1 (Dhundhiraj).
- For Kedar Ghat & Hanuman Ghat (Tamil Quarter):
Vehicles drop at Sonarpura Crossing. From Sonarpura, you must walk 350 meters east down the pedestrian lane to reach Kedar Ghat steps and the Kumaraswamy Mutt.
- For Dashashwamedh Ghat (Evening Ganga Aarti):
Vehicles drop at Girjaghar (Godowlia Crossing). From Girjaghar, it is a 700-meter pedestrian walk through the colorful Godowlia market down to the riverbank.
7. Indicative Transport Tariffs & City Logistics
For independent travelers and families budgeting their self-funded pilgrimage, the following are standard indicative transport tariffs for private vehicles across Varanasi:
Standard Vehicle Tariffs (2026 Reference Rates)
| Trip / Vehicle Service | AC Sedan (Dzire / Etios) | AC SUV (Ertiga) | Premium SUV (Innova Crysta) | 17-Seater Tempo Traveller | Trip Basis & Inclusions |
|---|
| Varanasi Airport (VNS) Pickup | ₹899 | ₹1,299 | ₹1,800 | ₹2,500 | One-way direct drop; toll & parking included; 45-min flight tracking |
| Cantt / Banaras Railway Station Pickup | ₹600 | ₹800 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,800 | Direct transfer to hotel / guest house |
| DDU Junction (Mughalsarai) Pickup | ₹1,200 | ₹1,600 | ₹2,200 | ₹3,000 | One-way transfer via Rajghat bridge |
| Full-Day City Cab (8 Hours / 80 km) | ₹2,499 | ₹2,800 | ₹3,800 | ₹4,250 | BHU events, Sarnath, Kashi Vishwanath drops, Saree shopping |
| Same-Day Prayagraj Sangam Excursion | ₹3,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹5,800 | ₹7,500 | Round-trip (~250 km, 10–12 hrs); Triveni Sangam, Bade Hanuman |
| Same-Day Ayodhya Ram Mandir Excursion | ₹5,500 | ₹6,800 | ₹8,500 | ₹11,500 | Round-trip (~440 km, 14–16 hrs); Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi |
| 2-Day Kashi – Prayagraj – Ayodhya Circuit | ₹9,500 | ₹12,000 | ₹15,500 | ₹21,000 | Comprehensive multi-city tour; driver night allowance included |
Temple Darshan & Boat Ride Reference Costs
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Sulabh Darshan:
₹500 per person (₹300 official temple trust ticket + ₹200 operator escort service). Devotees enter through priority corridors via Gate 1 or Gate 4 accompanied by a dedicated temple coordinator, bypassing the 3 to 4-hour general queue.
- Private Riverboat Charters (Morning Sunrise or Evening Ganga Aarti):
- Up to 6 Passengers: ₹3,500
- Up to 15 Passengers: ₹4,500
- Up to 30 Passengers: ₹6,500
Covers 2 hours of private river cruising past all 84 ghats, including Kedar Ghat, Harishchandra, and Manikarnika, with dedicated front-row mooring for the Dashashwamedh Ghat evening aarti.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the confirmed dates for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2026?
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 runs from Saturday, 28 November to Saturday, 12 December 2026 across Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.
When do registrations close for KTS 5.0?
The official registration portal (kashitamil.iitm.ac.in) opened on 22 October 2026 and closes on Friday, 13 November 2026. Applicants must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu.
Can I attend Kashi Tamil Sangamam if I am not selected as an official delegate?
Yes. Public academic sessions and cultural exhibitions at the BHU campus Amphitheatre Ground, riverside cultural programmes at the ghats, and all temples across Varanasi are open to everyone without tickets. Independent travelers arrange their own private trains/flights, hotels, and local cabs.
Where should Tamil families stay in Varanasi during the event?
For families and senior citizens, staying in Ravindrapuri or near Assi Ghat is strongly recommended. These areas offer direct vehicular taxi access right to hotel gates, are a 5–10 minute drive to the BHU campus, and sit within walking distance of Tamil messes and the Kedar/Hanuman Ghat heritage trail. Staying directly inside Kedar or Hanuman Ghat alleys means carrying luggage on foot through narrow, vehicle-free lanes.
How does an independent traveler visit Prayagraj and Ayodhya from Varanasi?
Most independent families hire a dedicated private cab from Varanasi. Prayagraj Triveni Sangam is 125 km away via NH-19 (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours each way; ₹3,500 fixed round-trip in a sedan). Ayodhya Ram Mandir is 220 km away (approx. 4 to 4.5 hours each way; ₹5,500 fixed round-trip in a sedan).
How do we get pure South Indian vegetarian food in Varanasi?
Head to Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat. Kashi Annapoorna South Indian Mess serves authentic banana-leaf meals, while the Sri Kanchi Mutt Bhojanalaya provides satvik temple dining. For coffee and snacks, Ayyar’s Cafe near Dashashwamedh and Kerala Cafe at Bhelupur are reliable favorites.
9. Next Steps for Planning Your Trip
- If applying as a delegate: Submit your documents on
https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in/ before 13 November 2026.
- If planning independently: Lock your hotel in Ravindrapuri or Assi Ghat early, as rooms fill rapidly across late November and December.
- Plan independent city transfers in advance: Plan travel times carefully between BHU, riverside ghats, and outstation circuits, and allow buffer time for evening traffic around Lanka and Godowlia.