If you’re planning a trip to Varanasi around Diwali, then you should also add Dev Deepawali to your diary! This is a festival held around 15 days after the main Diwali festival, and sees the banks of the Ganga lit up with lanterns, prayers and rituals.
On this night you’ll see many earthen lamps lit up along the river ghats. You can either watch the Ganga Aarti from the steps or hire a boat.
Whilst an amazing festival to witness, it can be quite a busy time to visit. There can be lots of people on the ghats, longer travel times near the river and high demand for accommodation in busy areas. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your time.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about visiting Varanasi during Diwali season, including the dates of Dev Deepawali in 2026, best ghats to visit, places to visit and tips for planning your stay in Banaras.
Diwali in Varanasi 2026 – Key Dates
Main Diwali and Dev Deepawali are two separate festivals. Main Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and is linked to Lakshmi Puja in many areas of India. Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima and comes around 15 days later.
Dev Deepawali 2026
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
📍 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The date is listed by the official Incredible India tourism website. Check local announcements closer to the festival for confirmed event schedules and travel restrictions.
If you’re visiting primarily for Dev Deepawali, plan your trip around the 24th November.
Arrive a day or two early so you can check into your accommodation, visit the temples and get to know the area.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali is also known as Dev Diwali. Often translated as the Diwali of the Gods. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (the full moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
According to popular hindu beliefs, the gods come down to Varanasi to take a dip in the Ganga. It is also linked to Lord Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura. Devotees pray, take part in rituals and light earthen lamps.
The main attraction of the festival is the riverfront. Diyas are lit on the steps of the ghats, visit temples and watch the Ganga Aarti. There may also be cultural events.
As it is a different experience to a regular evening in Varanasi, it is a great idea to be respectful when taking photographs, walking around the areas and watching the ceremonies as it is a religious festival.
Main Diwali vs Dev Deepawali
Although the names are similar, the festivals are celebrated on different dates and have different customs.
Main Diwali
- Celebrated on Amavasya (new moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
- Homes, shops and temples are decorated with lights.
- Lakshmi Puja is an important part of the festival for many families.
- Often celebrated in the home with family and local temples.
Dev Deepawali
- Celebrated on Kartik Purnima (full moon).
- Main attraction is the Ganga riverfront and ghats.
- Key traditions include lighting diyas on the ghats and worshipping the Ganga.
- Many visitors gather to see the lamps and Ganga Aarti.
If you want to attend both festivals, check the dates first. As there is a gap between them, you may need to plan a longer trip or decide which festival is most important to you.
Best Places to See Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
The main attraction during Dev Deepawali will be the ghats. Each ghat will provide a different experience. Decide if you’d like to watch the ceremonies from the steps, walk around or take a boat.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the most popular places to watch the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. Priests perform the ceremony using lamps, incense and chanting. There will be a lot of people during Dev Deepawali so you may need to arrive early to find a good spot.
Best for: Seeing the Ganga Aarti up close.
Assi Ghat
This is located towards the bottom end of the main riverfront. It is a popular place to gather in the morning, with lots of religious activity. If you’re staying in the southern area of the city this can be a useful place to start. However, there may be lots of people due to the festival, and access may be restricted.
Best for: Travelling to the area near Assi and exploring the southern ghats.
Chet Singh Ghat
Located next to a historic riverside fort. A great place to stop if you’d like to visit more than one famous ghat. Each year the festival programme may change, so check the latest local programme.
Best for: Seeing the history of the riverfront.
Manikarnika Ghat
One of the most sacred cremation ghats in Varanasi. Due to how religious this place is, it is important to keep your distance and avoid taking intrusive photographs.
Best for: Learning about the religious traditions of Varanasi.
On a Boat
A great way to see the overall view of the riverfront with lots of lamps. However, confirm the company you’d like to use, where you’d like to board, the cost, departure time and safety before paying.
Best for: Seeing a wider view of the lit up ghats.
Things to Do in Varanasi During Diwali
Whilst Dev Deepawali is a main attraction for many, there are other places to visit. If you arrive early you can spread your sightseeing across 2 or 3 days.
Ganga Aarti
A ceremony to worship the Ganga. Priests offer prayers with lamps. There is lots of music and chanting. Dashashwamedh Ghat is a popular place to watch.
There will be more people during the festival, so arrive early to find a good spot. The exact timings and access can change, so check local updates before leaving your hotel.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most important Shiva temples in India. A key pilgrimage site.
There may be long queues during Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali. If visiting for darshan, then arrive early. Check the official website for up to date entry times, rules and any special arrangements.
Walk Around the Old City
A great way to see a different side of Varanasi. The lanes are packed with little shops, food stalls, flower sellers and places of worship.
The lanes can be narrow and busy. Keep your phone and valuables safe. Follow the signs and any local instructions. Allow extra time if you need to get to a specific temple.
Local Food
Varanasi has a unique food culture. Depending on your taste you may want to try the kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat, local sweets or a lassi from a popular shop.
Popular food spots may have queues during the festival. Choose a food stall with good hygiene, drink safe water and don’t carry too much food around busy crowds.
Sarnath
Outside of the busy centre of the city, Sarnath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is linked to the first sermon the Buddha gave after his enlightenment. It provides a different view of the religious history in the area.
You can visit this before or after the festival. Check the opening times and how long it will take to get there. Don’t plan a lengthy trip too close to your viewing time.
3 Day Itinerary for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
A 3 day stay will allow you to visit key places and not have to worry about the festival. Below is a suggested itinerary. Adjust according to your arrival time, how mobile you are and if you want to visit any temples.
Arrive and Explore the City
- Check in and confirm your travel arrangements.
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple if time and access conditions allow.
- Walk through the nearby old-city lanes.
- Spend the evening at a ghat, away from any fixed festival commitments.
Experience Dev Deepawali
- Keep the morning light or use it for temple visits.
- Return to your accommodation to rest and prepare.
- Leave early for your chosen ghat or confirmed boat boarding point.
- Watch the lamps and Ganga Aarti from your planned viewing area.
- Allow extra time to return, as crowds may slow the journey.
Explore Beyond the Festival
- Visit Sarnath if your schedule permits.
- Browse local shops for textiles, handicrafts, or souvenirs.
- Have a relaxed meal before departure.
- Leave enough time to reach the airport or railway station.
How to Get to Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
Varanasi has good transport links to major cities in India. The best option for you will depend on where you’re coming from, how much you want to spend and how much time you have.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves Varanasi. Once landed, you can take a taxi or other local transport to your hotel. The travel time will depend on the traffic and where you’re staying.
Book your flight early for the festival. Don’t choose a tight connection on the day of the festival.
By Train
Varanasi has multiple train stations. Varanasi Junction, Banaras and Kashi. Check which station is the most suitable for your accommodation. Sometimes a station that looks closest on a map may not have the right train.
Seats can be in high demand during major festivals. Confirm your ticket and plan how you’ll get from the station to your hotel.
By Road
You can take a bus, taxi or private transport from multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. The travel time will depend on where you’re coming from and the traffic.
During the evening of Dev Deepawali there will be extra delays. There may be traffic restrictions in place around busy ghat’s. You may not be able to get your vehicle to your chosen viewing spot. Check official traffic updates.
Where to Stay in Varanasi During Diwali
Where you stay can impact how much you can enjoy the festival. Staying near the river may mean you don’t have far to walk on a regular day, however during a major event it can be difficult to get there.
Consider the below:
- Near the ghat’s – Great if you want to spend time by the river. Check if the hotel will be accessible during the festival traffic restrictions.
- Old city – Easy to get to the temples and local food. Some lanes can be narrow and there may not be much vehicle access.
- Near a main road – May be easier to get to and from depending on the traffic and location of the hotel.
- Near transport – Worth considering if you have an early train/flight.
Ask the hotel how guests should get to the hotel on Dev Deepawali. Also check their cancellation policy, check in time and how far they are from the nearest drop off point for vehicles.
Book early if possible. Don’t assume a hotel near the Ganga will have a clear view of the river and easy access.
Tips for Traveling to Dev Deepawali 2026
The busiest time of your trip may not be watching the lamps, but getting there and back. Below are some tips to help plan.
Get There Early
Don’t plan on arriving at the last minute. Allow plenty of time to get there, walk from the drop off point and find your chosen spot. Follow the latest instructions from the local administration.
Ghat or Boat?
Both have their benefits. Watching from the steps means you’ll be amongst the crowd. A boat can give you a wider view of the lit up riverfront. Make sure you know who you’re using, the cost, where you’ll be boarding, departure time and safety.
Don’t pay someone unknown to take you on a boat. Keep your confirmation and contact details on your phone.
Pack Light
A small bag will be easier to carry. Consider packing:
- Charged phone and powerbank.
- Photo ID from government.
- Hotel and transport details.
- Some cash and digital payment.
- Water (if allowed) and comfortable shoes.
- Keep your items safe. Don’t pack large bags or valuables.
Plan to Meet Up
Mobile networks can be busy and members of your group may get separated. Agree on a meeting point away from the busiest area. Make sure everyone knows the hotel address and how to contact the group.
Be Respectful in Religious Areas
The ghat’s are places of worship and in some areas are important for funeral rituals. Follow the rules on the signs, follow any local instructions and ask permission before taking close up photographs. Don’t block people who are worshipping.
Check Local Information
The timings, boats, traffic restrictions and public access can change. Use the official tourism website and local administration for the latest information. Use previous years as a guide.
Packing List for November in Varanasi
November can be a pleasant time to sightsee in Varanasi. However, it can feel cooler around the river in the evenings. Pack some comfortable clothes.
A practical packing list would include:
- Light clothing.
- Light jacket/scarf.
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals.
- Appropriate clothing for visiting temples.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Personal medication and basic first aid.
- Phone charger and powerbank.
Choose comfortable shoes that you can walk for a long time in. The distance from the drop off point to the ghat may be longer than expected during the festival.
Is it Worth Visiting Varanasi During Diwali?
If you’re interested in religious traditions, historic cities and cultural events then visiting during Diwali season can be a great choice. You’ll get to see the riverfront during one of the most important festivals of the year.
However, if you don’t like busy crowds, need vehicle access or prefer to sightsee quietly then it may not be the best choice. You could visit during a quieter time and enjoy the ghat’s, temples and old city at a more relaxed pace.
It really depends on what you want to do. If you want to see Dev Deepawali then plan the rest of your trip around this evening. If you want to explore Varanasi then consider visiting outside of the festival.
Plan Your Diwali in Varanasi Trip
Dev Deepawali gives visitors another reason to explore Varanasi in November. The lamps along the Ganga, temple visits, and evening prayers are central to the celebration, while the city’s food, old lanes, and historic sites offer more to see during the rest of your stay.
For 2026, mark 24 November on your calendar if you want to attend Dev Deepawali. Arrange your accommodation and transport in advance, choose a viewing area that suits your needs, and check local updates before the festival.
A well-planned visit will leave you with time to experience the festival without trying to fit every attraction into one crowded evening.
FAQs
Dev Deepawali will be on the 24th November 2026 (Tuesday). It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, around 15 days after the main Diwali festival.
No. Main Diwali and Dev Deepawali are two separate festivals. Main Diwali is celebrated on the new moon in Kartik. Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the full moon (Kartik Purnima).
Yes. It is a common choice to see the lit up ghat’s. Make sure you know who you’re using, where you’ll be boarding, cost, departure time and safety. Availability and accessibility may change for 2026.
Two or three days is a useful starting point. It gives you time to explore the city, visit temples, and keep the festival evening free. Add more time if you also want to visit Sarnath or explore nearby places.
Booking in advance is advisable because demand can rise during major festivals. Before paying, confirm the hotel’s location, cancellation terms, and how guests can reach it if traffic restrictions affect the surrounding area.
Families can visit, but the crowds may make the evening tiring, especially for young children and older adults. Choose a clear meeting point, keep essential contact details with each family member, and plan for walking and delays.
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