Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, becomes a magnificent spectacle of lights during Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali. Every year, thousands of devotees and travellers visit Kashi to witness the sacred Ganga Ghats illuminated with countless earthen lamps, devotional ceremonies, cultural performances and the divine atmosphere of the River Ganga.
If you are planning to visit Varanasi in November 2026, Dev Diwali is an experience you should not miss.
Dev Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima.
From witnessing the grand Ganga Aarti to enjoying a spectacular boat ride along the illuminated ghats, this guide will help you plan your Dev Diwali trip to Varanasi.
Dev Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali. According to Hindu traditions, this festival commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Dev Diwali 2026 |
| Date | 24 November 2026 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Main Celebration | Kartik Purnima |
| Major Attraction | Illuminated Ganga Ghats |
| Special Experience | Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride |
The evening is especially beautiful when thousands of diyas illuminate the ghats and their reflections shimmer across the sacred River Ganga.
Dev Diwali means the Diwali of the Gods. According to Hindu mythology, the gods descend to Earth to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura.
Varanasi celebrates this occasion with extraordinary devotion. Devotees gather along the Ganga to offer prayers, light earthen lamps and participate in Deep Daan.
The festival is also associated with Kartik Purnima, an auspicious day for taking a holy dip in the River Ganga.
Today, Dev Diwali has become one of the most spectacular cultural and religious celebrations in India, attracting domestic and international visitors.
One of the biggest attractions of Dev Diwali is the breathtaking illumination of the Ganga Ghats.
The historic riverfront of Varanasi transforms into a beautiful landscape of glowing earthen lamps. From Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat and beyond, the celebrations create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Popular ghats to explore during Dev Diwali include:
Assi Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat
Kedar Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat
Panchganga Ghat
Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Lalita Ghat
Namo Ghat
Visitors can enjoy the celebrations from the riverfront or experience the illuminated ghats from a boat on the Ganga.
A boat ride on the River Ganga is among the most memorable ways to experience Dev Diwali in Varanasi.
Imagine travelling along the sacred river while hundreds of illuminated scenes unfold along the historic ghats. The glowing diyas, temple bells, devotional music and beautiful riverfront create an extraordinary atmosphere.
A boat ride provides a different perspective of the celebrations and allows visitors to admire the illuminated riverfront from the water.
Celebrate Dev Diwali with Namokashi and experience the beauty of Kashi from the Ganga.
Event Date: 24 November 2026
Reporting Ghat: Ravidas Ghat
Reporting Time: 4:00 PM
Expected Ride Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
| Boat Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Motor Boat | ₹3,499 per person |
| Light Motor Boat | ₹4,999 per person |
| Bajra (Maharaja) Boat | ₹11,999 per person |
| Private Boat (1–20 persons) | Starting ₹60,000 |
Prices and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Book your Dev Diwali boat ride:
Dev Diwali Boat Ride 2026 – Book Now
Dev Diwali Boat Ride in Varanasi
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous spiritual experiences in Varanasi.
During Dev Diwali, the atmosphere becomes even more special. Priests perform the traditional Aarti with large brass lamps, devotional chants and rhythmic prayers.
Visitors can experience this spiritual ceremony from the ghats or from the river, depending on available access and authorised viewing arrangements.
The combination of the illuminated ghats, sacred chants and the flowing Ganga makes this evening truly unforgettable.
If you are visiting Kashi for Dev Diwali, consider exploring these famous attractions as well.
Visit one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual significance of Kashi.
Assi Ghat is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the peaceful beauty and cultural atmosphere of Varanasi.
Explore the important Buddhist pilgrimage destination where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Try authentic Banarasi street food, including Tamatar Chaat, Kachori Sabzi, Malaiyyo (seasonal), Lassi and Banarasi Paan.
Walk through the historic streets of Varanasi and discover traditional markets, ancient temples and local culture.
Dev Diwali attracts a large number of tourists, so advance planning is important.
1. Book Your Hotel Early
Hotels near Assi Ghat, Bhelupur and other accessible areas can become busy during the festival.
2. Reserve Your Boat Ride in Advance
Boat rides are in high demand during Dev Diwali. Reserve your preferred boat category before travelling.
3. Arrive Before the Festival
Consider reaching Varanasi on 23 November 2026 to avoid last-minute travel difficulties.
4. Plan Local Transportation
Traffic restrictions and crowd management arrangements may affect access to the ghats. Follow local administration instructions and allow extra time for walking.
5. Carry Essential Items
Keep your phone charged, carry your booking confirmation, comfortable footwear and a valid identification document if required.
Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel.
Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Explore local markets and traditional streets.
Enjoy the evening Ganga Aarti, subject to crowd and access arrangements.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Explore important temples and local attractions.
Reach the designated boat reporting point on time.
Enjoy the Dev Diwali Ganga Boat Ride.
Witness the illuminated ghats and festive atmosphere.
Experience the beauty of Kashi during Kartik Purnima.
This itinerary can be customised according to your travel schedule and accommodation arrangements.
Namokashi helps travellers explore the spiritual, cultural and historical attractions of Varanasi.
Whether you are visiting for a religious pilgrimage, family holiday or special festival celebration, you can plan your Kashi experience with suitable travel and sightseeing arrangements.
With local travel assistance and dedicated tour options, Namokashi aims to make your journey to Varanasi convenient and memorable.
Explore more:
Dev Diwali will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, in Varanasi.
Dev Diwali is famous for the illumination of the Ganga Ghats with thousands of diyas, Deep Daan, religious ceremonies and the grand Ganga Aarti.
A Ganga boat ride offers a wonderful view of the illuminated riverfront. Visitors can also enjoy the celebration from accessible ghats.
Namokashi advertises different boat categories, including Motor Boat at ₹3,499 per person and Light Motor Boat at ₹4,999 per person. Prices should be reconfirmed before booking.
The advertised reporting point is Ravidas Ghat, Varanasi. The reporting time is 4:00 PM on 24 November 2026. Confirm the final boarding instructions before travelling.
Advance booking is strongly recommended because Dev Diwali is one of the busiest festival occasions in Varanasi.
A two-day or three-day trip is a good option for exploring major temples, ghats, local attractions and the Dev Diwali celebration.
Dev Diwali is not just a festival; it is an unforgettable celebration of faith, tradition and the spiritual heritage of Kashi.
Witness the glowing ghats, experience the divine Ganga Aarti and enjoy a memorable boat journey on the sacred River Ganga.
Make your visit to Varanasi special with Namokashi.
Book your Dev Diwali 2026 Boat Ride today and experience the magic of Kashi on 24 November 2026.
Book NowExperience the divine magic of Dev Diwali on the Sacred Ganga
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Babatpur, Sagunha,(near varanasi airport)
Varanasi – UP – INDIA
+91 8081787687
+91 9278322002
