Varanasi does not do things by halves, and Dev Deepawali is proof. On the full-moon night of Kartik Purnima, the city’s ghats turn into a sprawling riverfront of earthen lamps, temple bells ring over the Ganga, and boats fill the water with visitors hoping to catch the spectacle from the best possible angle. In Hindu tradition, the festival marks the occasion when the gods descend to Earth to celebrate Diwali in Kashi, the ancient name for Varanasi.
Dev Deepawali 2026: 7 Experiences You Must Try In Varanasi
In 2026, Dev Deepawali falls on November 24, making late November an especially exciting time to explore India’s spiritual capital. But here is the thing: booking a hotel, watching the lamps appear and leaving the next morning barely scratches the surface. Varanasi has centuries of history, a fiercely distinctive food culture and rituals that begin long before sunrise. These seven experiences make a trip around Dev Deepawali worth turning into a proper holiday.
1. Watch The Ghats Come Alive With Millions Of Diyas
There is a reason Dev Deepawali photographs look almost unreal. As evening approaches, the stone steps lining the Ganga begin to glow with rows upon rows of earthen lamps, turning the riverfront into a vast display of light. The celebrations extend across Varanasi’s many ghats, with Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat and Assi Ghat among the best-known places to experience the atmosphere.
Families, volunteers and devotees participate in lighting diyas, transforming an ancient religious tradition into a spectacular community celebration. The lamps are not merely for decor; they are offerings associated with worship of the Ganga and the festival’s spiritual significance. For the best experience, reach your chosen ghat well before sunset rather than attempting to navigate the crowds at the last minute.
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2. See Varanasi From A Boat On The Ganga
The ghats look spectacular from land, but from the middle of the Ganga, the scale of Dev Deepawali becomes much easier to appreciate. A boat ride reveals the riverfront as one continuous stretch of illuminated steps, historic buildings, temples and palatial facades. Go around sunset if you want to watch the sky darken while the lamps gradually take over the scene. It is also one of the best ways to understand how closely Varanasi’s architecture and daily life are connected to the river.
However, Dev Deepawali is peak season for boat operators, so arrange your ride beforehand, agree on the price and duration, and check where the boat is permitted to travel. Life jackets are non-negotiable, particularly when the river is crowded. If you are travelling with family, a smaller, properly licensed operator may offer a more comfortable experience than joining an overcrowded vessel for the sake of a photograph.
3. Experience The Ganga Aarti At Dashashwamedh Ghat
If the diyas provide Dev Deepawali’s visual spectacle, the Ganga Aarti supplies its soundtrack. At Dashashwamedh Ghat, priests perform a synchronised ceremony involving large brass lamps, incense, conch shells and devotional chants. The ritual honours the Ganga, revered in Hinduism as a sacred river, and takes on a particularly dramatic atmosphere during the festival. Thousands of visitors gather to witness the ceremony, with the illuminated ghats creating an extraordinary backdrop.
Arrive early to secure a viewing spot, and remember that access arrangements can change because of crowd management. You could also explore the evening atmosphere at Assi Ghat, which has its own aarti and a different character from the bustling main ceremony. Neither experience requires you to be religious to appreciate the occasion, but approaching the ritual respectfully makes a difference. Keep conversations low during prayers and follow local instructions rather than pushing through crowds for a closer view.
4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple And Its Corridor
Dev Deepawali is a spectacular reason to visit Varanasi, but Kashi Vishwanath Temple explains why the city holds such an important place in Hindu pilgrimage. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a major destination for devotees travelling to Kashi. The redeveloped Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connects the temple complex with the Ganga riverfront, creating a more accessible route between two central parts of the city’s religious landscape.
Set aside a separate morning for darshan instead of trying to squeeze it into the busiest festival hours. Queues, security checks and entry restrictions can affect how long the visit takes, particularly around major religious occasions. Check official temple information before leaving your hotel, including current timings and entry requirements.
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5. Catch The City At Sunrise At Assi Ghat
After a night of crowds, lights and celebrations, Varanasi’s early morning feels like an entirely different city. Head to Assi Ghat before sunrise to experience the atmosphere associated with Subah-e-Banaras, a cultural programme featuring devotional music, Vedic chanting, yoga and morning prayers.
As the sun rises over the river, boatmen begin their journeys, pilgrims perform rituals along the water’s edge, and the city gradually starts its day. It is also a wonderful time for photography, particularly if you prefer quieter scenes over the packed riverfront of the previous evening.
6. Eat Your Way Through Banarasi Street Food
A Varanasi itinerary without street food is an itinerary missing a fairly essential chapter. Start with kachori-sabzi, a hearty breakfast of fried bread served with spiced potato curry, and work your way towards the city’s famous tamatar chaat, a tangy, spicy preparation made with cooked tomatoes, seasonings and chutneys. Lassi is another local favourite, often served thick and topped with a generous layer of cream.
Since Dev Deepawali falls in late November, keep an eye out for malaiyo, a seasonal milk-based delicacy with a light, airy texture. Traditionally associated with the colder months, it is made by allowing flavoured milk to develop a delicate froth, making it quite different from the richer desserts found elsewhere in India. Explore the old-city lanes around Vishwanath Gali for food stops, but expect queues during the festival.
7. Shop For Banarasi Silk And Wander Through The Old City
Before heading home, spend a few hours exploring the markets and lanes that give Varanasi its character beyond the riverfront. Banarasi silk sarees are the obvious shopping highlight, known for intricate brocade patterns, floral motifs and elaborate zari work. The weaving tradition has a long history, and the craftsmanship involved can make a finely worked saree a meaningful purchase for a wedding, a family celebration or an heirloom.
Browse established textile shops, ask about the fabric and zari composition, and request a bill, particularly for expensive pieces. The old city’s markets also offer brassware, jewellery and traditional souvenirs. If shopping is not your priority, book a heritage walk instead.
Things To Know Before You Go
Dev Deepawali falls on November 24, 2026, and the main celebrations take place on the evening of Kartik Purnima. Book accommodation and boat rides early, choose a hotel with convenient access to your preferred ghats, and check local traffic diversions before setting out. Wear comfortable footwear, carry water and follow crowd-control instructions. Most importantly, allow at least two or three days to explore Varanasi properly.
Cover Image Courtesy: suryadipdas/Canva Pro
FAQs
When is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi in 2026?
Dev Deepawali falls on November 24, 2026. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.
What are the best things to do in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali?
Watch the illuminated ghats, take a boat ride on the Ganga, attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, experience sunrise at Assi Ghat, try local street food and shop for Banarasi silk.
Which ghats are best for experiencing Dev Deepawali?
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat and Assi Ghat are among the well-known options mentioned in the guide. Arrive early, as the riverfront becomes crowded during the celebrations.
