Things to Do During Dev Diwali

One of the main highlights of Dev Diwali is the lighting of over a million oil lamps along the ghats of Varanasi, from Rajghat all the way to Assi. It’s not just a day’s affair; volunteers, students, and local groups start prepping days in advance to pull this off. As the sun sets, the diyas are lit almost at once, turning the entire stretch into a glowing river of light. A carefully planned effort, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. More than just a photo moment, the tradition is a heartfelt tribute to the Ganga and one of the most iconic parts of the festival of India.

One of the best things to do during Dev Diwali is to attend Ganga Aarti. It’s something Varanasi does every day, but during this festival, it just hits differently. The priests, dressed in traditional clothes, line up with those huge brass lamps, and their movements are perfectly timed to the sound of conch shells and chants. People watch from the ghats, from rooftops, even from boats floating surrounding the major ghats. There’s something about that moment, the lights, the sounds, the energy, that stays with you long after it’s over.

Also Checkout: Tips to Visit Dev Diwali

Fireworks are one of the more eye-catching Dev Diwali attractions, and they start soon after the diyas are lit. Unlike Diwali at home, where it’s all about personal firecrackers, this is a coordinated show that lights up the entire stretch along the Ganga. The bursts of colour in the night sky, often timed with temple bells or aarti chants, add something extra to the celebration. Rooftops and boats become the best spots to catch the full view. With local authorities managing the crowd and safety, people can just focus on the moment and it’s quite the sight.

Must Checkout: How to Experience Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali Boat rides become a popular activity during Dev Diwali, especially around sunset and after dark. These rides offer a clear view of the lit-up ghats, fireworks, and aarti from the river. Locals, tourists, and photographers often queue up early to secure a spot. Some boatmen decorate their boats with lights or play devotional music, creating an organised experience tied closely to the occasion. These rides also allow visitors to view all major ghats in one continuous route, making them both practical and appealing.

The Laser Light Show at Chet Singh Ghat has emerged as a major crowd-puller during Dev Diwali. Organised by local authorities, the show features synchronised beams of coloured lights projected onto the ghats and surrounding structures, accompanied by music and historical narration. The entire segment runs at fixed intervals during the evening, and seating or viewing zones are often marked for crowd control. The show presents a mix of technology and storytelling, making it a visually engaging part of the night’s itinerary for visitors.

Know More: Why Dev Diwali is Celebrated?

Among the key attractions of Dev Diwali is a projection-based show displayed on the walls of the newly expanded Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. This curated visual programme includes images and animations depicting mythological events, the heritage of Varanasi, and elements from the life of Lord Shiva. The show uses high-resolution projectors, and the viewing area is sectioned off to ensure orderly movement. Timed to coincide with peak footfall, this feature attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a structured look at history through a modern visual format.

Checkout: Ghats of Dev Diwali

Often photographed due to its unique tilt and location partly submerged near Manikarnika Ghat, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple draws extra attention during Dev Diwali. With the ghats illuminated and the river reflecting the lights, this site becomes a focal point for photographers and devotees. Though the temple is not open to the public for entry, its architectural features and positioning make it a prominent stop during boat rides. Its backdrop adds visual depth to the overall aesthetic of the ghat stretch during the festival.

Another must do activitie during Dev Diwali is the series of curated cultural programmes held on designated stages at prominent ghats such as Assi, Tulsi, and Shivala. These include classical music, dance forms like Kathak, and traditional recitations. The events are scheduled in advance and often feature well-known artists, both local and national. Managed by cultural boards or tourism bodies, these performances provide structured entertainment alongside religious observance. Seating is usually free but limited, encouraging early arrival. The blend of formal programming and open-air ambience makes these shows widely attended.

The lesser-known but deeply significant Panchganga Aarti takes place at the confluence point of five mythological rivers near Panchganga Ghat. Unlike the grand aarti at Dashashwamedh, this one is more traditional in tone but equally coordinated. Priests perform rituals using lamps, incense, and chanting specific to this ghat's heritage. Devotees gather in focused groups, and the area remains well lit with oil lamps throughout the evening. The aarti serves as a quieter but authentic experience, especially for those interested in older customs and local traditions.