In Varanasi, Makar Sankranti is simply called Khichdi (खिचड़ी).

It is a two-day festival. Early in the morning, thousands gather at the ghats for a cold Ganga bath, offer water to the rising sun, and give raw rice and sesame in charity. By late morning, after the winter fog burns off, boats ferry crowds across the river to the sandy eastern bank (Reti) for day-long kite flying. At noon, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple prepares its annual khichdi feast with desi ghee, curd, and pickle.

If you are planning to visit in January 2027, keep one key calendar detail in mind: the main ritual bath and temple feast fall on Friday, 15 January 2027, not Thursday.

Here are the verified dates, bathing hours, boat details for the sandbed, police barricade points, and fixed taxi rates for the festival weekend.

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1. Quick Facts for Travelers

Detail	Practical Information
Local Names	Khichdi Parv, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan
2027 Dates	Thursday, 14 Jan & Friday, 15 Jan 2027
Solar Transit (Sankranti Moment)	14 Jan 2027 at 9:06 PM (after sunset)
Main Punya Kaal (Snan & Daan)	Friday, 15 Jan 2027 (06:46 AM to 05:29 PM)
Maha Punya Kaal (Peak Bathing Window)	Friday, 15 Jan 2027 (06:46 AM to 08:46 AM)
Key Temples	Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Gauri Kedareshwar Mandir, Khichdi Baba
Main Bathing Ghats	Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Assi Ghat, Rajghat
Kite Flying Spots	Eastern Ganga Sandbed (Reti), Old City rooftops (Godowlia, Chowk, Sonarpura)
Morning Temperature	7°C to 10°C; thick morning fog typical until 09:30 AM
Nearest Cab Drop Points	Benia Bagh Parking (850m walk) or Girjaghar Crossing (600m walk)

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2. Why Friday, 15 January is the Main Bathing Day in 2027

Most wall calendars show Makar Sankranti on 14 January. In 2027, the astronomical moment happens at 9:06 PM on Thursday, 14 January 2027.

Under standard Panchang rules (including Kashi Vidwat Parishad guidelines), whenever the Sun enters Capricorn after sunset, the religious bathing window (Punya Kaal) moves to the following morning.

How the Two Days Work:

• Thursday, 14 January 2027:
  Local sweet shops in Thatheri Bazaar and Godowlia fill with fresh tilkut, jaggery, and sesame sweets. Rooftop kite flying begins around midday. Regular evening Ganga Aarti runs at Dashashwamedh.
• Friday, 15 January 2027:
  The primary day for religious rituals. Pilgrims take their holy Ganga bath starting at 06:46 AM. The two hours between 06:46 AM and 08:46 AM are the peak Maha Punya Kaal. Kashi Vishwanath Temple serves its Khichdi Bhog at noon, and kite flying across the river reaches full swing.

Traveler Tip: Book your early morning ghat trip, temple darshan, and ritual charity for Friday, 15 January 2027. Arriving Thursday morning for the main temple khichdi bhog will leave you waiting until the next day.

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3. Morning Ganga Snan & Surya Arghya

Devotees start arriving at the riverfront from 05:00 AM in the morning fog.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Sees the biggest crowd. Pilgrims step into the cold water, face east toward the sunrise, and offer Ganga water back to the Sun (Surya Arghya) with copper lotas.
• Panchganga Ghat: Regarded locally as one of the most sacred ghats for winter bathing, drawing traditional Banarasi families and ascetics.
• Assi Ghat: Has wide stone steps and easier access for families staying near Lanka or southern Varanasi.

After bathing, pilgrims give daan to priests sitting along the steps: raw rice, black urad dal, black and white sesame seeds, salt, jaggery, blankets, and warm clothes.

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4. Kashi Vishwanath Khichdi Bhog & Temple Traditions

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham: At the Madhyahna Bhog Aarti (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) on 15 January, Baba Vishwanath receives a special Khichdi Shringar. Priests prepare a rich bhog of split black urad dal and rice cooked in pure desi ghee with cashews and raisins. Next to Gate No. 1, the Khichdi Baba shrine cooks large cauldrons of khichdi and distributes leaf bowls (donas) to visiting devotees.
• Gauri Kedareshwar Temple (Kedar Ghat): According to local tradition in the Kashi Khanda, Lord Shiva manifested here from a bowl of khichdi offered by an ascetic devotee. On Makar Sankranti, Kedar Ghat celebrates the Kedareshwar Khichdi Mahotsav, serving prasad to hundreds of pilgrims.
• Baba Mahashmashan Nath (Manikarnika Ghat): At Manikarnika Ghat, the presiding deity also receives a Khichdi Shringar adorned with marigold garlands at midday.

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5. Kite Flying Across the River on the Reti (रेती)

While rooftop kite duels run throughout Godowlia, Chowk, and Sonarpura, the main open-ground flying takes place across the Ganga on the Reti—the flat sandbed on the eastern bank.

Taking a Boat Across:

• Boarding Ghats: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, or Assi Ghat.
• Boat Fares:
  • Shared wooden boat: ₹50 to ₹100 per person one-way.
  • Private chartered boat (with 2–3 hour waiting): ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 total.
• Operating Hours: River police allow boats to cross only after the morning fog lifts (usually 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM). All boats must return before sunset (05:00 PM).

Safety and Regulations:

1. Chinese Manjha is Strictly Banned: District administration strictly bans synthetic, nylon, and glass-coated Chinese string under Section 144. It causes severe injuries to two-wheeler riders on bridges and harms river birds. Buy regular cotton thread (saddi) or Bareilly thread from markets in Dalmandi or Thatheri Bazaar.
2. Current Hazard: The eastern sandbar drops off steeply into deep, fast water. Keep children well back from the water’s edge.
3. Falling Lines: When kites get cut, loose strings drift over crowds. Wear sunglasses and a light jacket to avoid thread scratches.

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6. January Weather & Fog Advice

Mid-January is Varanasi’s coldest and foggiest period:

• Temperatures: Morning lows range from 7°C to 10°C; sunny afternoons reach 20°C to 23°C.
• Fog: Dense morning fog is common between 05:00 AM and 09:30 AM, with visibility often falling below 50 meters.

Flight and Train Travel Tips:

• Flights at Babatpur (VNS): Early morning arrivals before 10:30 AM face frequent fog delays. Choose flights landing between 11:30 AM and 03:30 PM whenever possible.
• Trains to Varanasi Cantt (BSB): North-bound trains coming from Delhi, Punjab, or Bihar frequently run 2 to 4 hours late during January fog.
• Airport Return Buffer: Keep at least 3.5 hours between leaving your hotel and your flight departure time to account for slow fog driving on the Ring Road.
• Elderly Travelers: Water temperatures sit around 14°C to 15°C while morning air is chilly. Seniors should wait until 08:30 AM when the sun hits the ghat steps, or take a symbolic water sprinkling (marjan) instead of a full dip.

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7. Traffic Restrictions & Vehicle Drop Points

From 05:00 AM on 14 and 15 January, traffic police close downtown roads to four-wheelers and auto-rickshaws.

Closed Routes:

• Godowlia ⇄ Dashashwamedh Ghat: Closed to all motorized traffic.
• Maidagin ⇄ Chowk ⇄ Bansphatak: Four-wheelers barred.
• Sonarpura ⇄ Godowlia: Four-wheelers barred.

4 Practical Cab Drop Points:

1. Benia Bagh Multi-Level Parking:
   The most convenient western drop. Cabs park inside. From here, walk 850 meters (about 10 minutes) down Nai Sarak to reach Godowlia Crossing and Vishwanath Gate 4.
2. Girjaghar Crossing (Luxa Road):
   Best for Dashashwamedh Ghat. Cabs stop at the police barrier. Godowlia Crossing is an easy 600-meter walk down a flat road.
3. Maidagin Town Hall:
   Best for northern ghats (Panchganga, Scindia) or entering Vishwanath Corridor from the Chowk side. Roughly 900 meters walk.
4. Bhelupur Water Works:
   Best for southern ghats (Kedar Ghat, Assi). Keeps your cab clear of city traffic. You can take an e-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw to Sonarpura and walk down.

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8. What to Eat on Khichdi in Varanasi

Food is central to Makar Sankranti in Kashi:

1. Breakfast: Chuda-Dahi with Naya Gud:
   Beaten rice (chuda) served with thick curd in earthen kulhads, paired with dark winter jaggery (naya gud) from nearby Chandauli and Sonbhadra.
2. Sweets: Tilkut and Lai:
   In Thatheri Bazaar and Raja Darwaza, sweet makers pound roasted sesame into crumbly tilkut. You will also find lai ke laddu (puffed rice with jaggery) and peanut chikki.
3. Lunch: Urad Dal Khichdi with Chaar Yaar:
   The traditional festive meal is split black urad dal khichdi cooked with fragrant rice and ginger, served with the classic "Chaar Yaar" (चार यार): curd, roasted papad, a big spoon of desi ghee, and spicy mango or chilli pickle.
4. Winter Malaiyo:
   Head into Chaukhamba or Thatheri Gali in the morning for a kulhad of Malaiyo—light, saffron-infused milk foam made during winter months.

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9. Where to Stay

Area	Distance to Ghats	Advantages	Trade-offs	Good For
Old City & Ghats	50–300m walk	Step right out to dawn bathing; easy rooftop views.	No car access; must walk through narrow lanes with luggage.	Travelers focused on morning ghats and temple darshan.
Lanka & Ravindrapuri	2–3.5 km	Calmer residential area; close to Assi Ghat; good local food.	Taxis drop at Sonarpura; 15-minute walk remains to Godowlia.	Families looking for a quieter base near Assi.
Cantonment (Cantt)	5–7 km	Full-service hotels with heating, elevators, and parking; close to railway station.	Requires a taxi ride to reach the police drop perimeters.	Seniors and travelers wanting larger hotels with elevators and parking.

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10. Fixed-Fare Makar Sankranti Cab Tariffs (January 2027)

Finding an auto or taxi at 04:30 AM in January fog can be difficult, and street drivers charge high festival markups. Kashi Taxi offers fixed rates with vetted local drivers who know the drop perimeters:

Route / Package	AC Sedan (Dzire)	Family SUV (Ertiga)	Premium SUV (Innova)	12-Seater Tempo	17-Seater Tempo	Notes
Babatpur Airport (VNS) Transfer	₹899	₹1,299	₹1,799	₹2,500	₹3,000	Direct pickup via Ring Road to Benia Bagh/Girjaghar. Flight tracking included.
Varanasi Cantt (BSB) / BSBS Station	₹599	₹899	₹1,199	₹1,699	₹1,999	Station pickup to outer drop point. Luggage help included.
Pt. DDU Jn (Mughalsarai) Transfer	₹1,199	₹1,599	₹2,199	₹2,899	₹3,499	Via NH-19 bypass, avoiding city bottlenecks.
Early Morning Snan Pickup (4 Hr / 40 Km)	₹1,600	₹2,000	₹2,400	₹3,200	₹3,800	Chauffeur meets you at hotel at 05:00 AM, drops at Girjaghar/Benia Bagh, stays on standby, returns after snan.
Full-Day Sightseeing (8 Hr / 80 Km)	₹2,499	₹3,399	₹3,800	₹4,599	₹5,299	Morning snan, Vishwanath corridor, afternoon Sarnath or city temples, evening Aarti.

All fares include AC cab, driver allowance, fuel, toll, and parking. Extra running beyond package: ₹12/km for Sedan, ₹15/km for SUV, ₹22/km for Tempo Traveller.

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11. Frequently Asked Questions

When is Makar Sankranti celebrated in Varanasi in 2027?

Makar Sankranti is observed on 14 and 15 January 2027. Because the Sun enters Capricorn at 9:06 PM on Thursday, 14 January (after sunset), the auspicious Punya Kaal for holy bathing, charity, and temple rituals is on Friday, 15 January 2027 (06:46 AM to 05:29 PM).

What is the Maha Punya Kaal bathing window?

The Maha Punya Kaal on Friday, 15 January 2027 runs from 06:46 AM to 08:46 AM. This two-hour period after sunrise is considered the best time for taking a holy dip and offering Surya Arghya.

How do I get to the kite flying on the sandbed?

Go to Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat after 10:00 AM once the morning fog clears. Take a wooden ferry boat across to the sandbed. Shared boats charge ₹50 to ₹100 per person one-way, while private return boats cost ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 with waiting time.

Can vehicles enter Godowlia on Makar Sankranti?

No. Varanasi Police blocks four-wheelers and autos from entering Godowlia and Dashashwamedh. Cabs drop passengers at Benia Bagh Multi-Level Parking (850m walk) or Girjaghar Crossing (600m walk).

What should elderly travelers keep in mind?

January morning temperatures drop to 7°C to 9°C. Seniors should avoid bathing before sunrise in cold water. Wait until 08:30 AM when the sun warms the ghats, bring warm dry clothes, and arrange a cab to wait at the outer drop point for the return trip.

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Book Your Makar Sankranti Cab with Kashi Taxi

Whether you need a 05:00 AM pickup for the morning snan at Dashashwamedh, a warm car on standby for family members, or an airport pickup at Babatpur, Kashi Taxi provides fixed fares and experienced local drivers.

• Call Dispatch: +91 99354 74730
• WhatsApp Booking: 💬 Chat with our Varanasi dispatch team
• Related Guides: Varanasi January Weather & Travel Guide and Varanasi Transport Price Guide.