Ever wondered what it feels like when the stars come down to earth? That’s exactly the vibe of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, a highlight in many Events and Festival Tour Packages .
Celebrated on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali, this festival marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. Devotees believe the gods themselves visit the ghats on this night, making it one of the most spiritually significant and visually stunning festivals of India. From the grand Ganga Aarti to cultural performances and boat rides, every corner of Varanasi comes alive.
Want to witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience? Stay with us as we bring you all the details—dates, rituals, top ghats, things to do, and travel tips!
Date and Location of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi 2025
- Dev Deepawali Date 2025: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (Full Moon of Kartik Purnima), which falls 15 days after Diwali.
- Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, along the ghats of the Ganges River
- Dev Deepawali 2025 Timings:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: November 4, 2025, 10:36 PM IST
- Purnima Tithi Ends: November 5, 2025, 6:48 PM IST
- Main Celebration: November 5, 2025
- Pradosh Kaal (Best time for diya lighting): 5:15 PM – 7:50 PM IST on November 5 2025
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Why is Dev Deepawali Celebrated in Varanasi?
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is celebrated on the full moon night of Kartik, about 15 days after Diwali. The festival marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, who had created terror in the three worlds. Lord Shiva, in his form as Tripurari, destroyed him with a single arrow. To celebrate this victory, it is believed that the gods themselves came down to Varanasi and took a holy dip in the Ganges.
To welcome the gods, people of Kashi lit thousands of lamps on the ghats of the river. Since then, the tradition continues, and every year Varanasi glows with millions of diyas, turning the city into a “City of Lights.”
Today, Banaras Dev Diwali is not only about rituals but also about culture and celebration. Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges (Kartik Snan), perform puja, offer lamps to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and enjoy soulful music and dance on the ghats. Simply put, Diwali in Varanasi is about celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness in the most spiritual way possible.
Highlights of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
During Dev Deepawali Varanasi, devotees perform several key rituals:
- Kartik Snan: Taking a holy dip in the Ganges during Kartika
- Deepdan: Offering oil-lit lamps to the Ganga in the evening
- Ganga Aarti: Performed at the ghats, creating a mesmerizing spiritual atmosphere
Deepdan and Patriotic Tributes
The five-day festival begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Poornima. Beyond religious significance, the festival honors martyrs:
- Wreaths are laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat by police and armed forces
- The traditional Last Post is performed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force
- The closing ceremony includes sky lamps, patriotic songs, hymns, bhajans, and Bhagirath Shourya Samman awards
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Banaras Dev Diwali, also called Deep Diwali Varanasi, transforms the city into a glowing spectacle. Millions of diyas illuminate the ghats, buildings, and homes. Pilgrims gather for Diwali in Varanasi, taking part in aarti, chanting hymns, and enjoying rhythmic drumbeats. Evening boat rides along the Ganges offer an unforgettable view of the riverfront sparkling with lights.
Nearly a lakh devotees and tourists gather to witness this breathtaking sight. The aarti is performed by 21 priests and 24 women, with drums, hymns, and conch shells adding to the divine atmosphere.
Alongside Dev Deepawali, the five-day Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated. Held from Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, it showcases Varanasi’s rich culture:
- Cultural performances, classical music, and dance
- Daily Shilp Mela (arts and crafts fair)
- Country boat races, sculpture displays, and martial arts
- On the final day (Poornima), coinciding with Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, the ghats glitter with over a million lamps, making it one of the most breathtaking sights in India
Things to Do During Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
- Take a Holy Dip in the Ganges (Kartik Snan)
Experience the spiritual ritual of bathing in the sacred river during Kartik Purnima, a highlight of Banaras Dev Diwali, believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity.
- Offer Deepdan (Lighting Lamps)
Participate in Deepdan by lighting oil lamps along the ghats, turning the city into a glowing spectacle during Deep Diwali Varanasi.
Witness the magical evening Ganga Aarti, accompanied by chants, conch shells, and rhythmic drums—a must-do during Deep Diwali Varanasi.
- Evening Boat Ride on the Ganges
Take a boat ride to see the ghats sparkling with millions of diyas from the river, offering a breathtaking perspective of the celebrations.
- Watch Cultural Performances
Enjoy folk music, dance shows, and traditional arts, part of the vibrant Banaras Dev Diwali festivities.
Stroll through colorful markets, shop for souvenirs, and savor local street food while soaking in the festive spirit of Deep Diwali Varanasi.
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Travel Tips for Experiencing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Planning to attend Deep Diwali Varanasi 2025? Here are some practical tips to make your trip smooth and memorable:
- Check the dates in advance: The Dev Deepawali date 2025 is November 5 (Kartik Purnima). Book your transport and accommodation early, as hotels get sold out weeks before.
- Book a riverside stay: Staying near Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat gives you direct access to the main Dev Deepawali in Varanasi celebrations.
- Arrive a day early: The city gets crowded; reaching early helps you settle in and explore calmly before the rush.
- Choose boat rides wisely: Evening boat rides on the Ganga offer the best views of illuminated ghats, but book through reliable operators for safety.
- Carry essentials: Warm clothes (nights can be chilly in November), comfortable walking shoes, and a power bank are must-haves.
- Respect local customs: Follow the rituals with reverence—avoid blocking ghats during pujas and photography where it’s restricted.
- Stay safe in crowds: Keep valuables secure and stick with your group, as lakhs of people gather for the grand festival.
Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easy for travelers to experience Diwali in Varanasi.
By Air:
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport) is about 26 km from the city center.
- Regular flights operate from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
By Train:
- Varanasi Junction is one of India’s busiest railway stations, connecting the city to almost every part of the country.
- Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow make it convenient for travelers attending Banaras Dev Diwali.
By Road:
- Varanasi is accessible via national highways, and buses run regularly from nearby cities like Lucknow, Allahabad, and Patna.
- Private taxis or car rentals are also available for a comfortable road trip to witness Diwali in Varanasi.
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If there’s one festival that truly captures the spirit of light, devotion, and culture, it’s Deep Diwali Varanasi 2025. This year, on November 5, 2025, the ghats of Kashi will once again glow with millions of diyas as chants and aarti fill the night sky—a sight that promises to be nothing short of divine. For anyone wondering why Dev Deepawali is special in Varanasi, it’s because this is the only place where the gods are believed to descend to witness the light of faith.
If you’re planning how to experience Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, the key is to prepare early—book your stay, arrive a day before, and secure a spot on the ghats or a boat. This festival isn’t just an event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime memory that glows with spirituality, culture, and joy.
