Ghats for Dev Diwali Celebrations

• It’s the epicentre of the celebration, priests line the ghat for a grand aarti, chants echo across the river, and over a lakh diyas light up the entire stretch. 
•  Its mythological weight and central location make it the most visited ghat during Dev Diwali.
• One of the oldest ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma performed a yajna involving ten horses.
• If you want the most iconic Dev Diwali experience, start here. Consider taking a boat ride and witness the city’s grand festival of lights from the waters of the Ganges.

• One of the holiest cremation Varanasi ghats in India, Manikarnika is steeped in mythology.
• It’s believed that Goddess Parvati’s earring (manikarnika) fell here, and Lord Shiva granted liberation (moksha) to those cremated at this site.
• The eternal flame used for cremations is said to have been burning for centuries.
• Though a cremation ground, lamps are still respectfully lit here. It’s a powerful place to witness the contrast of light and mortality—Dev Diwali here feels deeply spiritual, grounding, and emotionally stirring.

• Located at the southern end of the ghat stretch, Assi Ghat is where the river Assi meets the Ganga.
• It’s believed that Goddess Durga threw her sword (asi) here after killing the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha.
• Over time, it has started drawing early risers for events like ‘Subah-e-Banaras’, students for casual hangouts, and pilgrims for quiet moments by the river.
• During Dev Diwali, Assi Ghat stands out among the popular ghats for Dev Diwali celebrations, lit edge to edge with rows of diyas that reflect beautifully in the water.
• Assi offers a more relaxed celebration with cultural performances, live classical music, and fewer crowds. It’s a good place to take in the lamps and rituals at an easier pace while staying connected to the festive spirit.

• Panchganga Ghat, meaning "confluence of five rivers," is among the oldest and most revered ghats in Varanasi.
• As mentioned in the Skanda Purana, it is believed to be the meeting point of five sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutpapa.
• Overlooking the ghat is the Alamgir Mosque, built during Aurangzeb’s reign, adding a historical Mughal layer to this otherwise ancient Hindu site. 
• Dev Diwali began here in 1985 with just five diyas—making it the origin point of the festival.
• One of the Varanasi ghats that glows with rows of lamps and akashdeep (sky lamps) suspended above. It’s a meaningful spot to experience Dev Diwali in its most rooted form.

Also Checkout: Dev Diwali Boat Ride

• Built in the 19th century by the Scindia rulers of Gwalior, this ghat is known for its tilted Shiva temple that partially sank due to its own weight.
• The ghat marks the edge of the spiritual Kashi area and leads into narrow alleys connecting to the Vishwanath temple corridor.
• The leaning temple, lined with flickering diyas, casts a soft glow on the water, and for a moment, everything feels slower.
• It’s one of those Varanasi ghats that doesn’t pull big crowds—which is exactly why people come here.
• You’ll often spot photographers and solo wanderers just doing their thing. There’s space to breathe, take your time, frame a shot, or just sit and watch the river hold the light.

Checkout: How to experience Dev Diwali

• Among the top ghats for Dev Diwali celebrations, Lalita Ghat is one of the most striking stretches along the Ganga. Thousands of diyas are placed on the steps, lighting up the riverfront.
• Lalita Ghat, established in the 19th century by the King of Nepal, is renowned for its Nepali-style wooden temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, mirroring Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple.
• Nestled between Manikarnika Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, it offers a peaceful and culturally rich ambiance.
• The Nepali temple glows in the background, steady and unchanging.
• Just ahead, near the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, a laser show draws large crowds with mythological scenes projected onto nearby buildings.
• Many ghats mark the occasion with lamps and rituals, but Lalita Ghat stands out for how it brings the old and the new into the same frame.

• Chet Singh Ghat marks the site of a fierce battle in 1781, when Maharaja Chet Singh fought against British forces.
• The massive fort above the ghat still stands with its rugged stone walls, telling stories of resistance and defiance. Its presence gives this ghat a strong historical identity, making it more than just a riverfront stop.
• Chet Singh Ghat is one of the most popular ghats for Dev Diwali celebrations.
• The ghat lights up with rows of diyas across the steps and fort walls.
• A 3D laser show is also held here, narrating tales of Lord Shiva and the descent of the Ganga through vivid projections. It’s one of the best places to experience the festival offering history, mythology, and modern visuals. 

• Raj Ghat sits near the ancient site of Kashi and holds archaeological importance.
• Excavations here have revealed remnants of Varanasi’s oldest settlements, linking the ghat to the city’s earliest history.
• Located close to the Malviya Bridge, it connects the past with the present, offering a quieter stretch along the river.
• At the northernmost end of the ghats for Dev Diwali celebrations, this stretch is lit with rows of diyas and dotted with floating Akashdeep lanterns.
• The glowing bridge in the backdrop adds to the view, making it a quiet spot to pause during the festival.
• It’s a quieter ghat, less packed than the central ghats, and often draws those looking to take a moment before moving on.

Do Checkout: Tips to Visit Dev Diwali

• Ravidas Ghat, the largest ghat lies at the southern end of Varanasi and is named after the revered 15th-century saint-poet Guru Ravidas, whose birthplace is nearby.
• The ghat was developed more recently compared to the others but holds great cultural and devotional importance for followers of the Bhakti movement.
• Among the quieter ghats in Varanasi, the ghat is beautifully lit with diyas and akashdeep during Dev Diwali.
• It’s ideal for those looking for a calmer experience, especially if you’re interested in the legacy of Sant Ravidas and the inclusive spiritual ethos he preached.