This year, as families prepare once again for a night of divine light and devotion, Dev Deepawali will illuminate Varanasi in a way few other festivals can. The city’s ghats will sparkle with the glow of countless earthen lamps, and the Ganges will shimmer under the reflection of this celestial celebration.
Dev Deepawali, also known as the “Diwali of the gods,” is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2025, Dev Deepawali falls on Wednesday, November 5. According to the Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi (full moon period) begins at 11:09 PM on November 4, 2025, and ends at 12:29 AM on November 6, 2025.
The most auspicious time for the puja and lighting of lamps, known as the Pradoshakal Dev Deepawali Muhurat, is from 5:15 PM to 7:50 PM on November 5, lasting for 2 hours and 35 minutes.
What Is Dev Deepawali?
According to tradition, Dev Deepawali marks the day when the gods are believed to have descended to Earth to take a sacred bath in the Ganges. In Varanasi, this belief comes alive with more than a million diyas (earthen lamps) placed along the steps of the ghats, creating a breathtaking scene for both devotees and visitors.
This festival is closely tied to Hindu mythology, particularly the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. The day is also called Tripura Purnima or Tripura Utsav. People celebrate by taking holy dips in the Ganges (Kartik Snan), offering lamps to the river, and participating in the grand Ganga Aarti ceremonies held in the evening. The rituals combine spiritual devotion with age-old customs, making it one of the most visually stunning and spiritually uplifting festivals in India.
Rituals and Celebrations in Varanasi
Kartik Snan and Deepdaan: Devotees begin the day with a holy dip in the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse the body and soul. Later in the day, oil-lit diyas are offered to the river as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Ganga Aarti and Lamp Lighting: As the sun sets, the ghats transform into a glowing riverfront. Priests, dressed in traditional attire, perform the Ganga Aarti with synchronized movements, ringing bells, and chanting hymns. The sight of thousands of flickering diyas along the riverbanks leaves visitors in awe.
Cultural Processions: Torch-lit processions carry idols of deities through the streets, accompanied by devotional music and traditional dance performances. Homes and temples are decorated with rangoli and fresh flowers, adding color to the celebrations.
Tribute to Martyrs: In addition to the spiritual rituals, special ceremonies are held to honor the memory of India’s martyrs. Floral tributes, patriotic songs, and moments of silence at the ghats highlight the day’s significance beyond its religious meaning.
A Timeline of Dev Deepawali Day
To make the most of your day, follow this timeline of events:
5:00 AM - 7:00 AM (Sunrise): This is the time for Kartik Snan. Head to the ghats to witness thousands of devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges as the sun rises. It's a serene and deeply spiritual start to the day.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Use this time to explore the temples and lanes of Varanasi before the major crowds descend. Have a hearty lunch, as you may not get a chance to eat properly later.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: This is the crucial window to secure your spot. Whether you have booked a boat or plan to watch from land, make your way to your chosen location. The ghats are already bustling by this time.
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Sunset & Muhurat): This is the main event. The Pradoshakal Muhurat begins, lamps are lit, and the grand Ganga Aarti ceremonies commence at all major ghats. The city transforms into a river of light.
7:30 PM Onwards: The official rituals may be over, but the celebration continues. Many ghats host cultural programs, devotional music, and dance performances. This is also a great time for a post-Aarti boat ride to soak in the beautifully lit riverfront.
A Visitor's Guide to Experiencing Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali transforms Varanasi into a divine spectacle, but it also brings massive crowds. Planning is essential for a memorable experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the festival.
1. Booking the Perfect Boat Ride: Your Front-Row Seat
The most breathtaking view of the illuminated ghats is from the Ganges.
Types of Boats: You'll find options ranging from large shared boats (bajras) with 20-30 people to small private rowing boats for 4-6 people. A private boat offers flexibility but at a much higher cost.
Booking: Book your boat at least a month in advance, especially if you want a private one. You can ask your hotel to arrange one, or find reputable operators online. Avoid last-minute haggling at the ghats, as prices can be 5-10 times the normal rate. Expect to pay anywhere from ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 per person for a spot on a shared boat on this day.
Timing: The boat ride typically lasts 2-3 hours, starting just before sunset to cover the Ganga Aarti and the lighting of the diyas.
2. Choosing Your Ghat: Where to Be and When
If you prefer to stay on land, your choice of ghat will define your experience. Arrive by 2 PM to secure a decent spot.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is the epicenter of the grandest Ganga Aarti. It is incredibly crowded and intense, but offers the most spectacular priestly rituals.
Assi Ghat: Located at the southern end, it's relatively more spacious and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with its own beautiful Aarti ceremony.
Chet Singh Ghat: A must-visit on Dev Deepawali. This historic fort-like ghat often hosts unique cultural performances, laser shows, and has a distinct, organized display of lights.
Rajendra Prasad Ghat & Raj Ghat: These are also great alternatives for watching the main rituals with slightly fewer crowds than Dashashwamedh.
3. Accommodation & Logistics: Plan Months Ahead
Where to Stay: Hotels with river views get booked up to a year in advance. For the best experience, stay in hotels or guesthouses in the Old City near the ghats (e.g., in the Bangali Tola or Dashashwamedh area). For more comfort and quieter surroundings, consider the Cantonment area, but be prepared for travel time.
Getting Around: On Dev Deepawali, many roads leading to the ghats are closed to traffic. Be ready to walk. Auto-rickshaws will drop you at a distance, so wear comfortable shoes.
4. Pro-Tips for a Safe and Smooth Experience
Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to respect the local culture.
Travel Light: Carry only essentials. The lanes are narrow and crowded, making it difficult to manage large bags.
Stay Aware: Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. It's best to stay with your group.
Photography: Bring a tripod if you're serious about photography. The best shots are taken during the "blue hour" just after sunset. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the scale of the festival.
Why Dev Deepawali Matters
Dev Deepawali is not just about lighting lamps or performing rituals. It is a day when the spiritual and cultural soul of Varanasi comes alive. It reminds people of the eternal cycle of good triumphing over evil, the sanctity of nature, and the deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down for centuries. For visitors, it is both a visual and emotional experience, and for locals, it is a reaffirmation of faith and community spirit.
This year, on November 5, as millions of diyas light up the ghats of Varanasi, the Ganges will once again reflect the timeless bond between the divine and the devoted. Whether you witness it in person or from afar, Dev Deepawali will leave you with a sense of peace, wonder, and connection to something greater.