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Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima. The Purnima tithi runs from about 11:42 PM on 23 November to about 8:23 PM on 24 November (IST), and lakhs of diyas are lit on the ghats at dusk after sunset. Dev Deepawali falls 16 days after Diwali (8 November 2026). Book your Varanasi tour package from Kolkata with Exciting Tales, the best travel agency in Kolkata, as ghat-view hotels and boats sell out first.
Once a year, the stone steps of Varanasi turn into a river of light. Dev Deepawali, also called Dev Diwali or the "Diwali of the Gods", lights up the Varanasi ghats from Assi to Rajghat with lakhs of earthen diyas, and it is one of the most searched festival trips in India. If you are planning Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi, this guide covers the Dev Deepawali date, the best ghats to see the lights, Ganga Aarti tips, boat rides, a sample itinerary and how to book from Kolkata.
Dev Deepawali 2026 Date and Timings
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Detail |
Dev Deepawali 2026 |
|---|---|
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Date |
Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
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Festival |
Dev Deepawali / Dev Diwali / Kartik Purnima / Tripuri Purnima |
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Purnima tithi (IST) |
About 11:42 PM, 23 Nov to about 8:23 PM, 24 Nov |
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Pradosh (lamp-lighting) window |
About 5:09 PM to 7:54 PM |
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Sunset in Varanasi |
Around 5:07 PM |
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Diwali 2026 (for reference) |
Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
Note: panchang sources place Dev Deepawali on 24 November 2026, though a few local listings quote 25 November. Always confirm the final schedule with your hotel or Exciting Tales before you travel.
What Is Dev Deepawali and Why Is It Celebrated in Varanasi?
Dev Deepawali is the festival of lights of the gods. It is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, and is linked to Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. According to tradition, the gods descend to Kashi to bathe in the Ganga and celebrate, which is why devotees take a holy dip at dawn and light lamps at dusk.
Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya (the new moon), while Dev Deepawali comes on the next full moon, which is why the two festivals are roughly fifteen to sixteen days apart. In 2026 that means Diwali on 8 November and Dev Deepawali on 24 November.
Best Ghats to See Dev Deepawali Lights in Varanasi
Varanasi has more than 80 ghats along the Ganga. On Dev Deepawali, almost all of them are decorated, but these are the ones most travellers plan around:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: the main stage for the grand Ganga Aarti. Spectacular and very crowded, so arrive early or watch from a boat.
- Assi Ghat: a more relaxed, youthful atmosphere with morning and evening aarti, music and cafes.
- Raj Ghat and Namo Ghat: wider spaces with good views, often a little quieter than central ghats.
- Panchganga Ghat and Kedar Ghat: beautifully lit steps and temples that photograph well from the river.
- Chet Singh Ghat and the fort-side stretch: known for light displays during the festival.
- Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats: sacred cremation ghats. Observe respectfully and do not take photographs of cremations.
The best overall view of the ghat lights is from the water, which is why a Dev Deepawali boat ride in Varanasi is the highlight of the trip.
Dev Deepawali Boat Ride: What to Know
- A boat ride from Assi to Rajghat typically takes a couple of hours, depending on crowds and the boatman.
- Pre-book your boat. On Dev Deepawali, boats are in huge demand and prices rise sharply. A travel agency can lock in a safe, reasonable arrangement in advance.
- Insist on life jackets and avoid overloaded boats.
- Board before dusk so you can see the ghats come alive as the lamps are lit.
- Carry a light jacket: November evenings on the river are cool.
Ganga Aarti and Dawn Rituals
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins around sunset and is especially grand on Kartik Purnima. Many devotees also take the Kartik Snan (holy dip) at sunrise. If you want a front-row seat for the aarti, reach the ghat early or book a boat or seating arrangement through your tour operator.
Sample 3 Night / 4 Day Dev Deepawali Itinerary From Kolkata
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Day |
Plan |
|---|---|
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Day 1 |
Arrive in Varanasi from Kolkata, hotel check-in near the ghats, evening walk and Ganga Aarti at Assi or Dashashwamedh |
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Day 2 |
Sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath darshan, Sankat Mochan and Banarasi food trail through the old lanes |
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Day 3 |
Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa and museum) in the morning, rest, then Dev Deepawali evening: ghat walk, lamp offering and an evening boat ride |
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Day 4 |
Optional morning dip or sunrise visit, shopping for Banarasi silk, return to Kolkata |
Want to extend? Add Ayodhya (about 4 to 5 hours by road) or Prayagraj for a longer Uttar Pradesh pilgrimage tour from Kolkata.
How to Reach Varanasi From Kolkata
- By air: Kolkata to Varanasi flights take under two hours, which makes a long weekend practical. Festive fares rise, so book early.
- By train: Several trains run from Howrah and Sealdah side routes to Varanasi and nearby Mughal Sarai/Kashi stations. Check the booking window on IRCTC early; seats on festival dates go quickly.
- Local transport: Vehicles are restricted near the ghats on festival evenings, so expect to walk the last stretch. A hotel within walking distance of the ghats saves a lot of stress.
Dev Deepawali Booking Guide: What to Reserve First
- Hotels near the ghats: these sell out first. Choose a property in the Assi to Dashashwamedh belt for easy walking.
- Flights or train tickets from Kolkata to Varanasi.
- Boat ride for Dev Deepawali evening.
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan planning and guide for a smooth temple visit.
- Local sightseeing and transfers, including Sarnath.
Exciting Tales can bundle all of this into one Dev Deepawali package from Kolkata, with hotels, flights or trains, boat ride, guided sightseeing and transfers.
Tips for Dev Deepawali Crowds, Safety and Comfort
- Reach the ghats early; roads and lanes get blocked as the evening goes on.
- Keep phones, wallets and cameras secure, and agree a meeting point with your group because mobile networks can slow down in crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear you can slip on and off easily.
- Dress modestly for temples and ghats.
- Carry a light shawl or jacket for the river breeze.
- Use earthen diyas and eco-friendly offerings, and avoid leaving plastic on the ghats.
What to Eat in Varanasi During Dev Deepawali
Do not miss kachori sabzi and jalebi for breakfast, tamatar chaat, Banarasi paan, lassi and, in winter, the frothy milk dessert malaiyo. Street food lanes near Godowlia and Kachori Gali are favourites.
About Exciting Tales – Best Travel Agency in Kolkata
Exciting Tales is a Kolkata-based travel company and the best travel agency in Kolkata for festive holidays, honeymoon packages, family tours, group fixed departures and international trips. From Diwali tour packages from Kolkata to Christmas and New Year holiday packages, the team plans flights, trains, hotels, transfers, sightseeing and visa guidance in one place, so you spend your festival enjoying the destination, not chasing bookings. Our Varanasi and Dev Deepawali packages can include ghat-view hotels, boat rides, guided temple visits and Sarnath sightseeing.
Call: +91 90516 73366 / +91 98305 47477 | Email: holidays@excitingtales.in | Website: www.excitingtales.com
Frequently Asked Questions: Dev Deepawali 2026 Varanasi
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
Dev Deepawali 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, which is Kartik Purnima.
Is Dev Deepawali the same as Diwali?
No. Diwali falls on Amavasya (the new moon) on 8 November 2026, while Dev Deepawali is held on Kartik Purnima (the full moon), around 16 days later, and is celebrated mainly in Varanasi.
Where is Dev Deepawali celebrated?
It is celebrated most famously on the ghats of Varanasi (Kashi) in Uttar Pradesh, with smaller observances in other Ganga towns and at pilgrimage centres.
What is the best ghat to watch Dev Deepawali?
Dashashwamedh Ghat for the grand Ganga Aarti, and Assi, Raj, Panchganga and Namo Ghats for lights. The best view overall is from a boat on the river.
How many days do I need for a Dev Deepawali trip from Kolkata?
Three nights and four days is ideal: it covers the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath and the Dev Deepawali evening without rushing.
How early should I book Dev Deepawali packages?
As soon as possible. Ghat-view hotels and boats are the first to sell out. Call Exciting Tales on +91 90516 73366 or +91 98305 47477.
Is Dev Deepawali suitable for senior citizens and families?
Yes, with planning. Choose a hotel close to the ghats, pre-arrange boat seating and avoid the heaviest crowd hours. A guided package makes it much easier