Is Kashi Vishwanath Temple Open On Diwali 2026? Darshan And Aarti Schedule

The holy city of Kashi, which also goes by the names Varanasi and Banaras, lights up during Diwali. It turns into the ultimate spiritual epicenter of the country, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple becomes one of the central religious attractions of the city. To answer the titular question, yes, the temple does remain operational during Diwali. As a matter of fact, the period of Diwali is one of the busiest times at this temple. If you, too, are keen on visiting this temple, this unstumbled guide will help you navigate the Diwali timings and rituals.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings And Daily Aarti Schedule

Around the time of Diwali, the temple continues to operate on its regular 24-hr schedule. The schedule, however, is broken up by ticketed ritual Aartis and a midday Bhog pause. The following are the temple timings:

Daily Temple Schedule

Temple Opening Time: 2:30 AM (Gates open for Mangala Aarti)

Temple Closing Time: 11 PM (Gates close after Shayan Aarti)

Free Darshan Hours For General Public: 4 AM to 11 AM, 12:20 PM to 7 PM, and 8:30 PM to 9 PM

Daily Aarti Schedule

Mangala Aarti

The reporting time for this aarti is at 2:30 AM at Gate 1. Pre-booking your slot here is mandatory.

Ritual Time: 3 AM to 4 AM

Entry Ticket Price: INR 500 per person

Midday Bhog Aarti

During this bhog, the sanctum is closed to the general public.

Ritual Time: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM

Entry Ticket Price: INR 300 per person

Sapta Rishi Aarti

This is the evening ritual performed simultaneously by seven priests.

Ritual Time: 7 PM to 8:15 PM

Entry Ticket Price: INR 300 per person

Shringar Bhog Aarti

The Shringar Bhog Aarti is the night ornamentation and food offering ritual to Baba Vishwanath.

Ritual Time: 9 PM to 10:15 PM

Entry Ticket Price: INR 300 per person

Shayan Aarti

This is the final bedtime ritual prior to the closing of the temple doors at 11 PM sharp.

Ritual Time: 10:30 PM to 11 PM

Entry Ticket Price: Free for all

Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings, Aarti, VIP Darshan & How To Reach

Diwali Week Highlight: Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan

Located just a few meters inside the Vishwanath Gali complex is the neighboring Shri Kashi Annapurna Mandir. It houses one of the most crucial highlights of visiting Kashi during the Diwali festival period: Maa Annapurna Swarna Darshan (Golden Idols View).

The golden idols of Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Bhodevi, and Lord Shiva seeking alms or Bhiksha are brought out from the temple treasury for only four to five days each year. This ritual starts on Dhanteras and continues through Diwali.

Another thing that makes this special is the coin Prasad that devotees receive. It is believed that those who visit during this window receive sacred coin prasad or Khazana. This Khazana is believed to bring financial prosperity and kitchen abundance when kept in home safes or wallets.

If you are planning on visiting this temple, it is important to remember that lines for the Swarna Darshan can stretch for more than two kilometers through Vishwanath Gali during Diwali morning. As such, it would be prudent to join the Annapurna queue as early as 5:00 AM right after your Kashi Vishwanath darshan.

How To Reach And Which Gate To Use

There are multiple access points through which pilgrims can enter the temple complex once the corridor of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens. They are as follows:

Gate 1: Ganga Dwar (Corridor Entry)

This entry is ideal for those arriving by boat or from the Ganga riverfront. You can arrive at the Lalita Ghat and walk directly up the grand marble stairs of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor through Ganga Dwar. This is the most scenic, spacious entry point.

Gate 2: Dhundhiraj Ganesh (Vishwanath Gali)

This is for the devotees arriving on foot through the Godowlia Chowk. Head to the crowded Vishwanath Gali market lane, which is best suited if you plan to visit Shri Kashi Annapurna Temple as well on the same stretch.

Gate 4: Saraswati Phatak (Main Road Entry)

This entrance is located along the main Chowk-Godowlia road. It houses the official Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust (SKVT) helpdesks, ticket counters for Sugam Darshan, and official locker facilities. It is the best entrance for first-time visitors.

Also Read: Jagannath Temple In Ahmedabad To Get New Corridor Inspired By Kashi Vishwanath

Summing Up

Visiting Kashi Vishwanath during Diwali is one of the most spiritually enriching pilgrimages that devotees can undertake. You can combine the Kashi visit with watching the Ganga aarti that happens during Diwali. No matter which place you go to in Kashi this Diwali, you are sure to have a blessed Diwali.