Siberian Birds & Winter Festivals: The Best of Varanasi in January
TL;DR: January in Varanasi = Siberian gulls at dawn (best 7:30–9:30 AM with boat + Sev snacks), Makar Sankranti kite festival (Jan 14), and Magh Mela day trips. Book a Bajra boat for stable bird photography. Scroll to "Festival Calendar" for exact dates and taxi-ready CTAs.
Siberian Birds & Winter Festivals: Why January is Magical in Varanasi
If you can brave the morning chill, January rewards you with something summer tourists never see: The arrival of the Siberian Guests.
The Siberian Gulls (Migratory Birds)
Every winter, thousands of white Siberian Gulls migrate from the freezing Arctic to the warmer plains of the Ganges. They arrive in November and stay until March.
The Best Way to See Them
You don't just "see" them; you interact with them.
The Ritual: When you take a boat ride, vendors sell packets of "Sev" (savory snacks). The moment you throw a handful in the air, hundreds of birds will swoop down around your boat. It is an experience straight out of a movie.
Best Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
Why? The fog usually starts lifting, creating a golden, misty light that photographers call "The Mystic Banaras." The birds are most active during feeding time.
Boat Ride Tip: Don't just take a rowboat. If you are a group, a Bajra (big boat) is more stable for photography.
👉 Add a Sunrise Bird Watching Boat Ride to your City Tour
January Festival Calendar 2026
Makar Sankranti (Jan 14): The Kite Wars
Varanasi doesn't just fly kites; we fight with them. On January 14th, the entire city is on the rooftops. The sky is filled with colorful kites, and the sound of "Kai Po Che!" echoes from the terraces.
Tourist Tip: The best view isn't from the ground. Ask your hotel if they have rooftop access, or head to the ghats to watch the spectacle from below.
👉 Read our full guide to Makar Sankranti Kite Wars
Magh Mela (Prayagraj Day Trip)
Just 120km away, millions of pilgrims gather in tents on the riverbanks of Prayagraj.
Dates: Starts Jan 3, 2026.
Should you go? Absolutely. It is a mini-Kumbh Mela experience. You can leave Varanasi at 7 AM, visit the Sangam, and be back for dinner.
👉 Plan a Magh Mela Day Trip by Car
Republic Day (Jan 26)
The Girja Ghar Crossing and Godowlia are lit up with tricolor lights. It’s a great evening for a photo walk.