Bharat Milap Festival is one of the famous festivals celebrated in Varanasi. In the sacred city almost every month, a fair or festival is organised and enjoyed with much vigour. Bharat Milap is held in the month of October November. It is regarded as a significant festival of Kashi. It is a historical festival that is celebrated to commemorate Lord Ram`s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his reunion with his brother, Bharat.

History of Bharat Milap Festival
According to the history Lord Rama along with Sita, his wife and brother, Lakshmana had gone for an exile for 14 years at the instruction of Kaikeyi, Raja Dasaratha`s wife. However, during their exile, Ravana abducted Sita with the help of an evil plot. Lord Rama with help of Lord Hanuman found out Sita who was confined in Lanka in Ashok Vatika. Later they fought against Ravana and regained Sita. Thus after completing his 14 years Lord along with Sita and Lakshmana came back to Ayodhya and met his brother Bharat. Bharat Milap Festival, thus, relates itself to the story of Ramayana written Valmiki.

Celebration of Bharat Milap Festival
Bharat Milap Festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy in Varanasi. It marks the victory of truth over evil and also the love of brothers for each other. The Bharat Milap festival is celebrated the day following Dussehra. It is held at Nati Imli, Varanasi. The annual festival of Dussehra and the Bharat Milap festival is one of the greatest attractions of Varanasi city. The festival attracts people from different places who gather here to be a part of the festival. The city is richly decorated with lights. Thousands of people gather on the street to see the magnificent procession Lord Ram and his reunion with younger brother, Bharat. They offer their prayers and worship the idols. They also put Tilak on the forehead of the idol and garland Lord Ram and his brothers. The festival is thus celebrated with much devotion and verve. Another fascinating part of the Bharat Milap festival is the presence of Kashi Naresh who was the former king of Varanasi with all his royal paraphernalia and regal finery. His presence helps in further elevating the spirit of the festival.