Dev Deepawali, also called the “Diwali of the Gods,” is the biggest festival of lights in Varanasi. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (full moon night) and marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura.
On this day, the whole city glows with millions of diyas (lamps), making the ghats of the Ganga look magical. The ghats of Varanasi will be illuminated with over 10 lakh diyas, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Quick Highlights
|
Detail |
Information |
|
Dev Deepavali |
5 November 2025 (Wednesday) |
|
Ganga Mahotsav |
1 - 4 November 2025 |
|
Place |
All major ghats of Varanasi, from Ravidas Ghat to Raj Ghat |
|
Main Event |
Lighting of millions of diyas and evening Ganga Aarti |
|
Best Thing to Do |
Take a boat ride and see the glowing ghats |
Dev Deepavali Timings
|
Event |
Time (Nov 5) |
|
Good Time for Rituals (Muhurat) |
5:15 PM – 7:50 PM |
|
Sunset |
Around 5:20 PM |
|
Ganga Aarti & Diyas Lighting |
6:45 PM – 7:30 PM |
|
Laser Show & Cultural Programs |
7:30 PM Onwards |
|
Best Boat Ride Time |
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
Things to Do at Dev Deepavali Varanasi
- Holy bath in the Ganga (Kartik Snan)
- Lighting of diyas on 80+ ghat
- Evening Ganga Aarti and lamp offering (Deep Dan)
- Processions and a ceremony for martyrs
- Fireworks and devotional music.
- Laser and light shows
- Taste Local Food – Try kachori, chaat, lassi, and sweets.
How to be apart of Dev Deepavali
If you're planning to visit Dev Deepavali in varanasi then be sure that it will be hell crowded. You might not even find a place to stand at ghats during the Light and Fire Show. Hotels will be booked prior.
So if you wish to witness the magical Dev Deepavali in Varanasi at your convenience, it would be best to book boat rides prior to it.
Boat rides will take you away from ghats and you can find the best spot to view the light and fire show.
Best Places to Watch Dev Deepawali
To fully experience the magic of the laser and light shows, consider visiting the following ghats:
- Chet Singh
- Lalita Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat - Ganga Aarti
Points to Remember
- Arrive Early: The ghats get crowded during the event. So make an early visit.
- Advance Booking: In case you want to stay, book hotels in advance as prices go 10x during the event.
- Boat Rides: Take boat ride packages beforehand to enjoy the light and fire show from the best place. As ghats would be highly crowded you wont get a place to even stand.
- Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Bring water, wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared for a lot of walking.
- Safety First: Be mindful of your belongings and stay alert, especially in crowded areas.
How to Reach
|
Option |
Details |
|
By Air |
Fly to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), 25 km from the city. Taxis and buses available. |
|
By Train |
Varanasi Junction and Manduwadih stations connect to all major cities. |
|
By Road |
Buses and cabs available from nearby cities like Lucknow, Prayagraj, Patna. |
