Highlights of Dev Diwali: A Luminous Celebration on the Ghats of Varanasi
Dev Diwali commemorates Lord Shiva's triumph over the demon Tripurasura. According to Hindu mythology, Tripurasura terrorized the three worlds, prompting the gods to seek Shiva's intervention. Assuming the form of Tripurari, Shiva destroyed the demon's three cities with a single arrow, symbolizing the eradication of malevolence. This victory is celebrated as Dev Diwali, marking the ascendancy of righteousness over wickedness.
In some regions, Dev Diwali also marks the birth of Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Worshipped as the god of war, Kartikeya holds a special place in South Indian traditions. His birth symbolises courage, discipline, and divine strength. On this day, devotees offer prayers to him, seeking protection and inner resilience. Temples dedicated to Kartikeya conduct special rituals, and devotional hymns echo through the halls. This regional observance is among the lesser-known highlights of Dev Diwali, adding depth to the festival’s religious significance across India.
A key ritual during Dev Diwali is the Kartik Snan—an early morning holy dip in the Ganges on the full moon of Kartik month. Pilgrims believe this bath washes away sins and purifies the soul. From before sunrise, lakhs of devotees line the ghats in Varanasi and other riverbanks across India for the ceremonial bath. This ritual is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, and performing it during Kartik Purnima is believed to yield the merit of great spiritual merit and charity.
Dev Diwali is rooted in the belief that on Kartik Purnima, all the gods descend from the heavens to the Earth to bathe in the Ganges. This belief is reflected in the elaborate lighting of millions of oil lamps along the ghats, homes, and temples, as devotees welcome the divine guests. The entire city of Varanasi turns into a canvas of light. This ritual not only honours the deities but also connects the devotees to an age-old cultural tradition of cosmic alignment.
The Ganga Aarti during Dev Diwali is the most widely attended ritual in Varanasi. Performed by multiple priests at Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Rajendra Prasad Ghats, the aarti features synchronised chanting, the clanging of bells, and the rhythmic circling of brass lamps filled with ghee. As thousands gather along the ghats and in boats lit with diyas, the riverfront transforms into a glowing canvas of devotion. This spiritually charged ceremony, honouring the life-giving and purifying Ganges, stands out as one of the key highlights of Dev Diwali for both pilgrims and locals.
On Dev Diwali, several rituals are performed across Varanasi and other pilgrim towns. Deepdaan—the offering of oil lamps to the Ganga—is one of the most prominent. People also conduct Lakshmi and Shiva pujas at home and in temples. Special recitations of Vedic mantras, chanting of Kartik Mahatmya, and community prayers are common. Temples are adorned with rangoli and marigold garlands, and groups of devotees participate in bhajan sessions. These collective rituals lend the festival a communal spirit and religious discipline.
After sunset, Varanasi’s riverfront transforms into a sea of light as over a million earthen lamps are lit across more than 80 ghats. Volunteers, priests, locals, and pilgrims participate in placing the diyas in precise rows and intricate patterns. The glowing reflections in the river create a mirror-like effect that leaves a lasting impression. This visual spectacle is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to devotion and tradition. Cultural performances, including classical music and dance, accompany the night-long illumination, making it one of the most breathtaking Dev Diwali highlights.
What Dev Diwali Really Means: Understanding its Essence
What is So Unique About Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
Know Before You Go To Dev Diwali
Location: Dev Deepawali is celebrated across the iconic ghats of Varanasi, stretching from Ravidas Ghat in the south to Rajghat in the north, with the most elaborate rituals taking place at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. These riverfront steps transform into glowing corridors lined with lakhs of oil-lit diyas, creating a surreal golden reflection on the Ganges. Dashashwamedh Ghat, located near the Vishwanath Temple, serves as the focal point for the grand Ganga Aarti, attracting thousands of spectators and devotees.
Timings:
Wednesday, 5th November 2025
Auspicious Time (Pradosh Kaal Muhurat):
5:15 PM to 7:50 PM
This is the most sacred window for lighting diyas and offering prayers along the ghats.
Purnima Tithi (Full Moon Phase):
Begins: 10:36 PM on 4th November
Ends: 6:48 PM on 5th November
These timings align with the traditional Hindu calendar and are considered ideal for all major rituals of the evening, including the grand Ganga Aarti.
By Train: The primary railway hub, Varanasi Junction, is situated approximately 6 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat. It’s well-connected to major Indian cities, with popular trains like the Vande Bharat Express (Delhi), Mahanagari Express (Mumbai), Marudhar Express (Jaipur), and Vibhuti Express (Kolkata). Advance booking is highly recommended during festive periods. From the station, travellers can hire auto-rickshaws or taxis to Godowlia Chowk, which is just a short walk to the main ghat.
By Bus: Varanasi has a network of state-run and private buses connecting it to nearby towns and cities. While buses may not drop passengers directly at the ghats, they usually stop at key points like Godowlia. From there, one can walk or hire a rickshaw to reach the ghats.
By Air: Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located about 25 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the main venues for Dev Deepawali celebrations. After landing, travellers can book prepaid taxis or app-based cab services (like Ola or Uber) directly from the airport. Since fares can vary, it's wise to confirm the fare upfront before starting your journey.
By Road: Varanasi is easily accessible via National Highways 2, 7 and 29. However, during major festivals like Dev Deepawali, traffic restrictions are common near the ghats. Parking is limited and often prohibited close to the riverfront. It’s best to park at your accommodation or designated lots and use local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, or on foot to reach the ghats.
Faq
Is Dev Diwali worth visiting?
Absolutely—Dev Diwali is worth experiencing for its sheer scale and spiritual vibrance. The Dev Diwali highlights include over a million oil lamps lighting up Varanasi’s 85 ghats, elaborate Ganga Aartis, classical performances, and eco-friendly fireworks. The visual grandeur and deep-rooted rituals make it a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
What are 5 facts about Dev Diwali?
Here are some fascinating facts about Dev Diwali that make this festival stand out from the rest of India’s celebrations.
- Dev Diwali is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali, lighting up the ghats with thousands of diyas.
- Hindus believe gods descend to bathe in the Ganges on this night, making it deeply spiritual.
- The Ganga Aarti is a grand spectacle—priests perform rituals as over a million lamps illuminate the river.
- Pilgrims undertake the 75-km Panchkroshi Yatra, visiting key temples around Varanasi.
- Unlike Diwali, Dev Diwali focuses on prayers, lighting diyas, and acts of charity like Annadan.
How is Dev Diwali celebrated?
Dev Diwali highlights include the lighting of over a million diyas along Varanasi’s ghats, the sacred Kartik Snan, and the grand Ganga Aarti performed by priests in traditional attire. The festival also features classical dance, music performances, green fireworks, and laser shows, creating a deeply spiritual and visually striking celebration.
What is the story behind Dev Diwali?
According to Hindu mythology, Dev Diwali commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. The gods are believed to descend to Varanasi to celebrate this divine triumph. The glowing ghats, sacred rituals, and festive ambience are core highlights of Dev Diwali, bringing this legendary tale to life each year.