Plan your visit to Dev Diwali

• Arrive atleast a Day Early: Try to get to Varanasi a day before Dev Diwali. It takes the pressure off, gives you time to get your bearings, and lets you figure out the ghats and key spots before the real crowd pours in.
• Plan to Stay for 2–3 Days: A short 2–3 day trip to Varanasi works best, with a buffer day on either side of Dev Diwali. It gives you enough time to settle in, explore the city without rushing, and travel comfortably without getting caught in the festival-day scramble.
• Avoid Same-Day Departures: Heading out right after Dev Diwali can be a bad idea, reason being the roads are blocked, stations are packed, and movement gets restricted. It’s better to stay the night and leave the next morning when things have calmed down.

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• Best Time to Take a Boat Ride: The most recommended slot for a boat ride is the 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM time slot. You’ll be able to see the ghats as they light up gradually and catch the Ganga Aarti from the water. If you plan your visit to Dev Diwali around this window, you’re more likely to get the most out of the experience, especially with the diyas glowing across the riverfront.
• Major Ghats to Visit: The celebrations take place across 80+ ghats of Varanasi, but the most iconic action unfolds at Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Rajendra Prasad Ghats. Each ghat has its story and appeal, but Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most sought-after due to the grand Ganga Aarti.
• Festival Timings: The main events start just before sunset and continue till late at night. Diyas start getting lit around 5:30 PM across major Dev Diwali ghats, especially Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat. The Dev Diwali special laser show usually takes place at Chet Singh Ghat, typically between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins post 6:30 PM and draws the biggest crowd.

• Stay Near the Ghats: Look for rooms near Dashashwamedh, Assi, or Bengali Tola to stay close to the action and avoid long walks through crowds.
• Book 3–4 Weeks Ahead: Rooms fill up quickly during this time, so early reservations secure better rates and choice of location. It’s a good idea to plan your visit to Dev Diwali well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Consider Rooftop Views: Guesthouses with rooftop access offer a great view of the fireworks and illuminated ghats, check guest policies in advance.

Must Checkout : Attractions Of Dev Diwali

• By Road: The road distance between Delhi and Varanasi is about 820–860 km, depending on the chosen route (for example via NH 19 or the Agra–Lucknow Expressway). Travel time typically ranges from 12 to 15 hours by car or bus, varying with traffic, weather, and route . From Lucknow, the road trip is approximately 320 km, taking around 5–6 hours. You’ll find several UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) and private Volvo and sleeper buses operating regularly on most routes.
• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located about 26 km northwest of Varanasi’s city centre, is well-connected domestically and internationally. There are daily direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Lucknow among others, served by carriers like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air. Flight time to Delhi is typically 1h 30m, and to Mumbai about 2 hours.
• By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Station (BSBS) are the main railway stations. There are around 13–17 trains daily between Delhi (NDLS) and Varanasi, covering a rail distance of roughly 770–800 km. Travel time ranges from 8 hours on the Vande Bharat Express (22436), India's fastest train. Beyond Delhi, Varanasi has extensive train connections with cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.

Checkout: Why Dev Diwali is Celebrated

• Start with Street Breakfasts: Try kachori-sabzi and jalebi from street vendors near Godowlia or Vishwanath Gali for an authentic local start to the day, one of the many things to do during Dev Diwali that go beyond the ghats and lights.
• Evening Snacks & Chaat: Grab tamatar chaat, palak chaat, or litti chokha from popular stalls near Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Don’t Miss Malaiyyo: If you’re in Varanasi early the next morning, taste malaiyyo, a delicate winter dessert only sold during dawn hours in winter.
• Wrap Up with a Paan: Finish your festival meal with a classic Banarasi paan, it's a tradition as much as a treat.

• Avoid Peak Exit Hours: Post-10 PM, roads near the ghats get heavily congested. Leaving during this window can mean long delays and no available transport.
• Pre-Book Transport: Whether it’s a taxi, auto, or rickshaw, book your exit ride in advance and ask your hotel for a pickup zone outside blocked areas. If you’re booked on an early train or flight the next morning, plan your exit route the night before. Ask your hotel about transport availability or walk to a quieter pickup point like Bhelupur or Lanka.
• Stay an Extra Night: Ideally, avoid booking departures between 10 PM and 1 AM on Dev Diwali night, you’ll be stuck in post-festival chaos. It’s smarter to plan your visit to Dev Diwali with a buffer day, so you’re not rushing through the experience. Stay overnight and leave after breakfast the next day.

Also Checkout: Reason to Attend Dev Diwali

• Understand the Rituals of Dev Diwali: From Deepdaan (lamp offerings) to temple visits and all-night aartis, the rituals of Dev Diwali are central to the celebration. Read up a little beforehand so you can participate respectfully.
• Use Official Boat Services: Choose registered boat operators to avoid scams or last-minute issues. Evening rides are in highest demand, book well ahead or go through your hotel.
• Arrive Early at the Ghats: Some of the key Dev Diwali highlights, like the Ganga Aarti, rows of lit diyas, and cultural performances, start filling up hours before sunset. To get a good spot or explore the ghats before the rush sets in, try to arrive at least 2–3 hours in advance.
• Dress Modestly and Comfortably: Wear loose, breathable clothes and comfortable footwear, as you'll be walking a lot. Dress modestly out of respect for the religious setting.
• Carry Essentials: Bring a water bottle, power bank, torch, scarf, and basic first aid. Mobile networks can get patchy, so it’s wise to note down key addresses offline.
• Be Prepared for Traffic and Roadblocks: Many roads are closed to vehicles during Dev Diwali. Be ready to walk or take e-rickshaws for local travel. So, plan your visit to Dev Diwali accordingly if you’re planning to catch a train or flight.