Dev Diwali Varanasi

Devotees begin the day with a pre-dawn dip in the Ganges, observing Kartik Snan as part of Kartik Purnima rituals. According to Hindu belief, bathing in the river during this month absolves sins and ensures future well-being. Pilgrims gather along the ghats as early as 3 AM, chanting prayers and lighting small lamps that float on the river. The dip also signals the start of Dev Deepawali festivities, with temporary arrangements in place for crowd and safety management.

On Dev Deepawali, nearly 20 lakh diyas line the 84 ghats of Varanasi, with over one lakh made from cow dung—an eco-conscious addition. Volunteers, locals, and pilgrims take part in arranging and lighting the lamps. As night falls, the entire riverfront reflects the glow, creating a large-scale coordinated effort that’s planned weeks in advance. The event also involves neighbourhood competitions and local contributions from artisans and potters across nearby districts.

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, 21 Brahmin priests and 42 young women trained in Vedic practices carry out a 45-minute Ganga Aarti. The ceremony includes large brass lamps, conch shell blowing, incense sticks, and choreographed movements set to traditional chants. It draws lakhs of visitors who occupy boats and the ghat steps well in advance. The aarti begins at dusk and is timed to align with lunar movements, with preparations beginning hours before the actual performance.

Chet Singh Ghat becomes the focal point for laser lights and projection mapping during Dev Deepawali. 3D visuals narrate mythological stories from texts like the Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana, projected on the walls of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. These sequences are synchronised with audio, offering a structured overview of the city’s religious history. The setup uses multiple high-lumen projectors, and the content is curated by cultural departments and local historians.

Throughout the evening, ghats such as Assi, Rajendra Prasad, and Darbhanga serve as performance spaces for classical dance and music. Artists from across India are invited by the municipal and tourism boards. Performances include Kathak, Odissi, Dhrupad, and Thumri, often set on floating stages or temporary platforms. Each slot is tightly scheduled, with seating arrangements made along the ghat steps. These programs aim to highlight Varanasi’s heritage through structured presentations.

After the aarti and performances conclude, the city’s riverfront lights up with a coordinated fireworks show. The display is visible from both the ghats and the river, with boats stationed midstream offering clear views. Crackers are launched from designated platforms to avoid crowding or fire risks. The entire fireworks sequence is timed to last around 15–20 minutes, and the selection is approved by local authorities to meet safety and pollution guidelines.

At Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad Ghats, army personnel, ex-servicemen, and families of martyrs gather for ceremonies honouring soldiers who lost their lives in service. The events include guard-of-honour salutes, wreath laying, and renditions of patriotic songs by school choirs and defence bands. This portion of the evening is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and includes brief speeches by military officials and local representatives, often aired on regional news channels.

Inside major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath, rituals start from early morning and continue into the night. Priests perform abhishekams, chant mantras, and decorate the premises with rows of earthen lamps and marigold garlands. Entry is regulated in shifts due to the heavy footfall. Special bhogs are prepared and distributed, while temple courtyards host smaller prayer gatherings and family-led offerings. Volunteers help manage queues, and the rituals follow specific Agama traditions.

As the focal point of Dev Diwali in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat draws massive crowds for the grand Ganga Aarti and fireworks. Rows of priests perform coordinated rituals with conch shells, incense, and lamps while the ghat glows with thousands of diyas. Visitors arrive hours early to find space along the steps or secure boat spots for a wider view of the spectacle. Security arrangements are extensive here, with multiple checkpoints and barricades to control the flow of people.

Assi Ghat becomes a hub of cultural activity during Dev Diwali, hosting classical performances, poetry recitals, and community-led events alongside the diya lighting. It's a popular choice for younger crowds and families looking for a festive yet manageable experience. Volunteers from local colleges and organisations help with logistics, from setting up lamps to managing waste. While not as packed as Dashashwamedh, the ghat sees a steady stream of visitors and a warm buzz of local participation.

Positioned right beside Dashashwamedh, Rajendra Prasad Ghat often acts as an overflow zone, offering excellent views of the Aarti and fireworks without the centre-stage intensity. Many locals bring their own diyas and join in decorating the steps, creating a more participatory feel. The boats that float past, lit with serial lights and candles, add to the visual appeal. It's a good choice for those who want proximity to the main action but with a little more breathing room.

Known for the imposing Chet Singh Fort in the backdrop, this ghat offers a distinct setting during Dev Deepawali Banaras. The steps are lit by neighbourhood groups and volunteers rather than big event organisers, giving the celebration a more grounded, local flavour. Photographers often favour this location for its angles and architectural contrast. While it's less crowded than the main ghats, those who arrive later still find limited space, especially near the waterline during fireworks.

Scindia Ghat is known for its half-submerged Shiva temple and slightly tucked-away location. During the Dev Diwali festival, this unique structure becomes the centrepiece, with lamps placed carefully around its base and along the edges of the ghat. Though it doesn’t host large-scale rituals, it draws a steady crowd of visitors who prefer quieter surroundings and fewer vendors. Nearby shrines are also lit and visited, making the area feel well connected to the festival’s religious roots.

The tradition of lighting lamps for Dev Deepawali began at Panchganga Ghat in 1985, marking the start of the festival’s celebration in Varanasi. The ghat, linked to the confluence of five mythological rivers, Panchganga Ghat takes on a more devotional tone during Dev Diwali. The steps are narrower, and space fills quickly, but the ghat maintains a steady rhythm of quiet rituals, occasional chanting, and a strong sense of tradition that many prefer over the larger public events.

All 84 ghats of Varanasi are lined with countless earthen lamps, creating an extraordinary display that extends along the riverbanks. The soft glow of the diyas reflects on the water, amplifying the effect as thousands gather for prayers and celebrations. Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats remain central to the festivities, but smaller ghats contribute to the spectacle, each adding its own character to the event.

Chet Singh Ghat becomes a centrepiece of the evening with its 3D laser projection show, narrating the stories of Varanasi’s spiritual and historical legacy. The vibrant lights illuminate the historic Chet Singh Fort, accompanied by traditional music that enhances the experience. The show begins around 5:30 PM and runs in intervals throughout the night, ensuring that every passing boat has the opportunity to observe this visual narration.

The newly developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor features a projection show that highlights the temple’s history and its deep connection to Varanasi’s spiritual heritage. The grand walls of the corridor serve as a canvas for intricate visual storytelling, depicting scenes from ancient scriptures and the city’s enduring devotion to Lord Shiva. Seen from the boat, the combination of light, water, and historical grandeur offers a striking perspective.

Located near Manikarnika Ghat, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple stands partially submerged in the Ganges, with its distinct tilt making it an architectural marvel. During the Dev Diwali festival, the temple is illuminated with thousands of lamps, casting a reflection on the river that enhances its enigmatic appearance. The contrast between its historical structure and the festival’s vibrant energy makes it a remarkable sight.

As the evening progresses, a coordinated fireworks display fills the sky, adding another dimension to the festival. The reflections of the fireworks on the river, combined with the lamps on the ghats, create a captivating visual sequence. From the boat, the uninterrupted panoramic view of the illuminated city, the flowing river, and the bursts of colour overhead encapsulate the scale and significance of Banaras Dev Diwali.

Watching the Dev Diwali aarti from a boat provides an unobstructed view of the entire ritual. Boats line up midstream as priests and trained performers carry out synchronised movements with oil lamps, incense, and conch shells. From the river, one can clearly observe the ghat’s tiered structure, the dense crowd, and the layered rows of diyas. Boat positioning is regulated, and most are anchored well before the ceremony begins.

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most active cremation sites in India, located along the Ganga. It holds deep religious importance, particularly for Hindus who believe that cremation here grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The ghat remains operational 24x7, even during festivals. Visitors can observe the rituals from boats without intruding on the site’s sanctity. Its name is linked to a legend involving Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, and the sacred kund (water tank) nearby is considered among the oldest in Varanasi.

Held annually in the week leading up to Dev Diwali, Ganga Mahotsav is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. It spans 5 days and takes place across prominent ghats including Rajendra Prasad Ghat and Chet Singh Ghat. The event showcases classical music concerts, folk dance performances, boat races, martial arts demonstrations, and craft exhibitions. The Mahotsav concludes on Dev Diwali with over 10 lakh diyas lit across 80+ ghats, offering a panoramic view of the Ganga lit up from Rajghat to Assi Ghat. 

Devotees and scholars often visit Sarnath during Dev Diwali week, located about 10 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath marks the site of Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, a solid cylindrical structure built in 500 CE, stands on the foundations of an earlier Mauryan-era stupa from the 3rd century BCE. Nearby, the Ashoka Pillar, its height averaging between 40 and 50 ft, carries inscriptions and the lion capital that later became India’s national emblem. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses a collection of over 6,000 artefacts, including the iconic seated Buddha in dharmachakra mudra.

Ramnagar Fort, located across the Ganga from Tulsi Ghat, was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. Made from creamy Chunar sandstone, the fort has a Durbar Hall, temples, and a museum exhibiting royal palanquins, vintage cars, antique clocks, astronomical manuscripts, and ivory works. The Kashi Naresh still resides here and participates in traditional rituals during festivals, including Dev Diwali. The fort also provides a strategic vantage point to view the ghats lit with lamps from across the river.

Namo Ghat is a newly developed riverfront along the Ganga, located near Rajghat, and designed as part of Varanasi’s urban infrastructure expansion. Admire the modern steps, wide promenades, and boat docking facilities, the ghat has become a popular viewing point for Dev Diwali, especially for those looking to avoid overcrowded areas like Dashashwamedh. The signature design includes folded hand sculptures at the entrance and shaded seating spaces for visitors. It’s also equipped with ramps and accessibility features, making it easier for families and senior citizens.

During Dev Diwali Varanasi, exploring local food joints offers a taste of the city's everyday life. Try Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi at Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazaar, or head to Deena Chat Bhandar at Dashashwamedh Road for Tamatar Chaat and Palak Patta Chaat. For sweets, Shree Rajbandhu offers authentic Lal Peda and Parval ki Mithai. Pehalwan Lassi near Ravidas Gate is popular for thick, fruit-loaded lassis. These places are often packed during festivals, so visiting early in the day or post-evening Aarti is advisable.