The Dev Deepawali festival in Varanasi takes place every year on Kartik Poornima, 15 days after Diwali, and is known as the "Diwali of the Gods." According to Hindu tradition, on this night, celestial beings come down to bathe in the Ganga. It is said that their descent purified the waters of the Ganga.
The ghats of Varanasi sparkle with millions of glowing diyas, creating the illusion that the riverbanks are glowing with divine radiance. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is more than a ritual; it reflects the amalgamation of mythology, belief, and tradition, making it one of the most spiritually uplifting festivals in India. In addition to its sacredness, the festival has developed a profound international appeal, attracting thousands of devotees, tourists, and photographers eager to capture the city illuminated in ethereal brilliance.
Dev Deepawali at a Glance
- Grand Glow of Ghats: All 88 ghats of Varanasi are equally illuminated with innumerable diyas, creating a mirror-like reflection on the Ganga, and are often portrayed as a reflection of the night sky.
- Mythological Importance: The festival honors the triumph of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura and symbolizes the victory of divine power over evil.
- Ganga Aarti Spectacle: Priests perform a special Ganga Aarti that is larger than life with synchronized chants, incense and the sound of conchs, which draws thousands of devotees.
- Cultural Program: The beautiful performances of classical dance and music and the experience of traditional boat rides along the Ganga River add to the festivities.
Tourism Note: For Dev Deepawali 2025, the city administration has plans for a more secure event in the form of expanded security, decorations on the riverfront, and guided cultural tours for the growing number of international tourists visiting the city. Followed by the eco-friendly measures, such as using biodegradable diyas and managing waste disposal along the riverbanks, which have all begun to be implemented by the authorities.
Dev Deepawali 2025 Date: 5th November 2025
Tourism and Cultural Experiences
- Witness the grand illumination of all 88 ghats of Varanasi with innumerable diyas.
- Witness the divine Ganga Aarti performed on Kartik Poornima.
- Soak in the mythological rituals honoring Lord Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura
- Go traditional boating on the Ganga with a glowing lamp.
- Watch cultural performances of classical dance and music on the ghats.
- Be a part of guided cultural walks and tours designed for international visitors.
How to Reach Varanasi and Attend Dev Deepawali?
- By Air: The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport), which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) and Manduadih Railway Station link the city to major spots across India.
- By Road: Varanasi is well-connected by NH19 and NH31, with bus and taxi connectivity from Lucknow, Patna, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.
The Festival Tip: Get to the ghats early evening, as the spots like Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Rajghat get very crowded, so plan for seats or boat rides ahead of time.
Accommodations for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Varanasi has enough places to stay for pilgrims, from budget dharamshala to luxury heritage hotels to lodges by the riverside overlooking the illuminated ghats.
Here are some notable options in Varanasi
- BrijRama Palace, a Heritage Hotel
- Taj Ganges Varanasi.
- Hotel Surya, Kaiser Palace.
- Ganga Monastery Hotel.
- Shiv Ganga Dharamshala.
For Indian pilgrims, global tourists, photographers, and culture enthusiasts alike, participating in these twin events cannot be summed up as anything less than witnessing living heritage unfold before your eyes. With proper planning, sustainable participation, and sincere reverence, Varanasi Deepotsav and Dev Deepawali 2025 will be more than just festivities but rather transformative encounters with India’s eternal light.
