Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Varanasi. This grand festival occurs on the full moon day of Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Deepawali on 24 November 2026, and marks the victory of Lord Shiva over demon Tripurasur. Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, comes alive as thousands of diyas (oil lamps) illuminate the ghats along the holy river Ganges.
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
In 2026, Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali will be celebrated on November 24 (Tuesday), when the ghats of Varanasi will once again glow with millions of diyas, drawing people from across the world.
Dev Deepawali 2026 at a Glance
- Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 (Kartik Purnima)
- Where: All 84 ghats of Varanasi, from Assi Ghat to Raj Ghat / Namo Ghat
- Main events: Lakhs of diyas, Grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, laser shows, fireworks, illuminated ghats
- Entry: Free to watch from the ghats. Boat rides are paid and need advance booking
- Best view: From a boat on the Ganga, or from the steps of Dashashwamedh, Assi or Raj Ghat
- Boat ride: Book a Dev Diwali boat – shared, private, Bajra and cruise options
Activities Planned on Dev Diwali by UP Tourism
Evening Ganga Aarti
Illuminated 84 Ghats of Varanasi
Light & Sound Show on Lalita Ghat
Drone Show*
Which Ghat Is Best to Watch Dev Deepawali?
| Ghat | What you see | Crowd level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | Grand Ganga Aarti, main festival energy | Very high | First-time visitors who want the “main” experience |
| Chet Singh Ghat | Laser show on the fort wall | High | Photography, laser show viewing from a boat |
| Assi Ghat | Assi Ganga Aarti, relaxed local feel | Medium to high | Families and people who prefer a calmer evening |
| Raj Ghat / Namo Ghat | Long lines of diyas, new riverfront views | Lower | Quiet viewing and photos |
| Panchganga Ghat | Traditional diya lines and Akash Deep tradition | Medium | Devotees and culture lovers |
| Lalita Ghat | Light and sound show near Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and also Fireshow in front of the Lalita Ghat | High | Combining darshan and the show |
Type of Boats you can bookfor Dev Diwali
Normal Motor Boat
A comfortable motor boat with cushioned seating and life jackets on board. Ideal for families and small groups.
Capacity: 10-25 persons
We offer: Water & Snacks.
What we cover: Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat, the lit ghats, Ganga Aarti view and the diya lines.
Lighted Motor Boat
A motor boat decorated with glowing lights, made for the evening show. Great for couples and photography.
Capacity: 20-50 persons
We offer: Water & Snacks.
What we cover: [Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat], the lit ghats, Ganga Aarti view and the diya lines.
Bajra Boat
A spacious open-deck boat with marigold decoration and cushioned white seating. Best for big families and groups.
Capacity: 40 - 80 persons
We offer: Decorated open deck and group seating. Lighted deck, open views and local Varanasi snacks: tamatar chaat, aloo tikki and gulab jamun.
What we cover: [Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat], the lit ghats, Ganga Aarti view and the diya lines.
Cruise Boat
A two-deck cruise with a covered seating hall, large windows and an open upper deck. Most comfortable for large groups and senior citizens. Local Varanasi snacks: tamatar chaat, aloo tikki and gulab jamun.
Capacity: 100+ persons
We offer: Covered seating hall, open upper deck and window views.
What we cover: [Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat], the lit ghats, Ganga Aarti view and the diya lines.
Dev Deepawali 2026 – Quick Facts
Experience the Diwali of the Gods on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, when millions of diyas light up all 84 ghats of Kashi. Book boats, stays and complete Varanasi packages with KashiYatra.
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Occasion: Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Diwali
Place: All ghats of Varanasi, best seen from Dashashwamedh, Assi and Raj Ghat
Ganga Aarti: approx. 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Highlights: Millions of diyas, grand Ganga Aarti, laser show, fireworks, boat rides along the lit ghats
Book now: 6390008503
Boat Ride or Ghat Steps: Which Is Better to enjoy Dev Diwali?
Boat Ride Ganga Ghat View All ghats lit together, front-row view of shows One section of the river only Cost Paid (shared boats from ₹2,999 per person) Free Comfort Seating, life jackets, snacks and water on board Standing or sitting on steps in a dense crowd Booking Advance booking strongly recommended No booking, but arrive 3–4 hours early for a good spot Good for children and seniors Yes, with a seated boat Difficult because of crowds
How to Reach the Ghats on Dev Deepawali Night ?
- Vehicles are restricted: On the night, traffic near the ghats is heavily restricted and you will need to walk the last stretch, often 1–3 km.
- Plan drop-off before 3 PM: Roads near Godowlia and Dashashwamedh fill up in the afternoon.
- Stay close to the ghats if you can: Hotels within walking distance book out weeks ahead.
- Returning: Expect crowded lanes after 9 PM. Agree a meeting point with your group in advance.
What to Carry and Wear on Dev Diwali in Varanasi
- Light woollen layer or shawl: November evenings on the river are cool and windy.
- Comfortable footwear that is easy to remove, as ghat steps and lanes are crowded.
- Power bank and a small amount of cash.
- Water bottle and a light snack. Avoid heavy bags.
- Mobile in a pouch or lanyard when on a boat. Keep valuables to a minimum.
- Keep a printed or saved copy of your boat booking ticket confirmation and the operator’s phone number.
Safety and Crowd Tips on Dev Diwali
- Hold children’s hands in lanes and on steps. Tell them a meeting point.
- Board only registered boats, and wear a life jacket for the whole ride.
- Do not stand up or change sides on a moving boat.
- Follow police and volunteer instructions on one-way lanes.
- Elderly guests and young children are usually more comfortable on a seated boat than in a crowd on the steps.
Dev Deepawali 2026 Timings
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Dev Deepawali Celeberation | Sunset onwards - After 6:00 PM |
| Ganga Aarti | 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM |
| Floating Diyas | 6:30 PM Onwards |
| Chet Singh Ghat Laser Show | 7:30 PM |
| Lalita Ghat - Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Laser Show | 7:45 PM Onwards |
How to Experience Dev Deepawali in Varanasi – Hour-by-Hour Plan
Experiencing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is a divine experience that combines spirituality and culture. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
Boat Rides: The best way to witness the grandeur is through a boat ride along the Ganges, especially at night. Services like Kashiyatra offer boat rides starting from ₹3000 per person, allowing you to see the illuminated ghats up close.
Visit Famous Ghats: Some of the best ghats to visit during Dev Deepawali include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. These are hotspots for the aarti and cultural events.
Explore Varanasi Temples: Visit temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan for special rituals during Dev Deepawali.
Participate in Rituals: Many pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganges during Kartik Purnima, believing it purifies their soul.
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Kartik Purnima Ganga snan and visit Kashi Vishwanath (go early, queues are long) |
| Afternoon | Rest at your hotel and explore the lanes of Kashi |
| 3:30 – 4:30 PM | Walk toward the ghats, since vehicle entry is restricted. Pick your viewing spot |
| 5:00 PM | Board your boat if booked, or take a position on the ghat steps |
| 6:45 – 7:30 PM | Grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| 7:30 PM onwards | Laser show, lit-up ghats and fireworks, best seen from the river |
| Late evening | Walk the ghats or have dinner in the old city |
Planning note: On the night itself, vehicle movement near the ghats is heavily restricted. We arrange stay and pickup/drop before and after the festival, and your ghat access on the night is on foot.
What is Dev Deepawali & Why Dev Deepawali Is Special in Varanasi
Dev Deepawali, also called Dev Diwali, is the “Diwali of the Gods”. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon day that falls 15 days after Diwali. According to tradition, the gods descend to Kashi on this night to celebrate Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. Devotees honour them by lighting lakhs of earthen lamps along the Ganga.
In Varanasi, all 84 ghats, from Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat, glow with diyas. Temples are decorated, the Ganga Aarti becomes grander, and the river is filled with illuminated boats. It is widely considered the most spectacular night in Varanasi’s calendar, and it draws lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad.
If you plan to attend in 2026, book early. Hotels and boats near the ghats fill up weeks ahead.
1. Mythological significance. The festival marks the day Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities of the demon Tripurasura. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps in Kashi, and the tradition continues today.
2. Kartik Snan and Deepdan. Devotees bathe in the Ganga on Kartik Purnima and float diyas as an offering (deepdan), which is believed to bring merit and peace.
3. A visual spectacle. Lakhs of diyas line the ghat steps for more than 6 km. The sight from the river is unlike anything else in India.
4. Grand Ganga Aarti. The Dashashwamedh Aarti on this night is larger and more elaborate than usual, with more priests, more lamps and more music.
5. Cultural programmes. Local administration and UP Tourism organise performances, laser shows and fireworks along the ghats.
FAQ :Dev Deepawali 2026 | Dev Diwali 2026
Dev Deepawali, also known as the "Diwali of the Gods," is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Diwali. On this day, the ghats of Varanasi are beautifully decorated with millions of diyas (earthen lamps), creating a divine and mesmerizing view.
No. Watching from the ghats is free. Boat rides, hotels and special seating are paid services and should be booked in advance.
If you want a good spot on the steps, arrive 3–4 hours before sunset. For a boat, reach your boarding point at the reporting time given by your operator.
Yes, but go in the morning. By afternoon, queues and movement restrictions make it difficult.
Shared boats are more affordable on dev diwali. Private boats give a quieter and more flexible experience and suit families and groups.
Dev Deepawali 2026 will be celebrated on 24th November (Tuesday). Thousands of devotees and tourists gather at the ghats of Varanasi to witness this grand spiritual festival.
Dev Deepawali is believed to mark the day when gods and goddesses descend to Earth to bathe in the holy Ganga. It is also said to commemorate Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The festival is celebrated across all 88 ghats of Varanasi, but the most famous ones include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Chet Singh Ghat.
Lighting of millions of diyas across ghats
Cultural programs including classical dance and music
Ganga Aarti performed by priests at Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats
Boat rides offering panoramic views of the illuminated ghats
Tourists can experience Dev Deepawali by attending the evening Ganga Aarti, taking a boat ride on the Ganga River, visiting the decorated ghats, and enjoying cultural performances. Booking boat rides in advance is highly recommended due to heavy rush.
The best way to enjoy Dev Deepawali is by taking a boat ride in the evening, which offers a panoramic view of the illuminated ghats. Tourists can also book private boats or join group tours depending on their budget.
Varanasi attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists from India and abroad during Dev Deepawali. The ghats and temples are heavily crowded, so planning your trip and booking accommodations in advance is crucial.
Yes. Diwali is celebrated across India and marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, while Dev Deepawali is specific to Varanasi and marks the celebration of the gods on Kartik Purnima. Dev Deepawali is much grander in terms of spiritual rituals on the ghats.
Yes, visitors can book private boats, group boats, or luxury cruises to experience Dev Deepawali. Charges usually range from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 per person, depending on the type of boat and facilities provided.