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Varanasi Special festivalVaranasi's greatest festival, when millions of diyas light all the ghats. Dev Deepawali, the 'Diwali of the gods', is celebrated on Kartik Purnima. Every ghat of Varanasi, from Assi to Rajghat, is lit with lakhs of earthen lamps, and the Ganga aarti is performed on a grand scale.
Next: Tue, 24 Nov 2026
Tue, 24 Nov 2026
Kartik Purnima, about 15 days after Diwali
Varanasi Special
Diwali of the gods; Ganga aarti and lamps
All ghats, best seen from a boat
Extremely high — book early
The festival marks the day the gods are said to descend to bathe in the Ganga after Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. Kartik Purnima is also a holy bathing day and Guru Nanak Jayanti.
It has become one of the most spectacular festivals in India.
Devotees take a holy dip and light lamps (deepdan) on the ghats. Special aartis, music and cultural performances take place at Dashashwamedh, Assi and other ghats. Boats carry visitors to see the lit shoreline.
The view from a boat in the evening, with every ghat shimmering and the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh, is unforgettable. Ghat rows, temples and even the Ganga's far bank are illuminated, and fireworks and a laser show are sometimes held by the administration.
It is Varanasi's biggest tourist event — hotels and boats sell out weeks ahead. See our boat rides and hotel options.
Book your hotel and boat as early as possible. Expect heavy crowds, traffic restrictions and vehicle bans near the ghats. Dress warmly for the evenings.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tue, 24 Nov 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Sat, 13 Nov 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | Wed, 1 Nov 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | Tue, 20 Nov 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | Sat, 9 Nov 2030 | Saturday |
| 2031 | Fri, 28 Nov 2031 | Friday |
| 2032 | Tue, 16 Nov 2032 | Tuesday |
| 2033 | Sun, 6 Nov 2033 | Sunday |
| 2034 | Sat, 25 Nov 2034 | Saturday |
| 2035 | Thu, 15 Nov 2035 | Thursday |
Dates follow the standard Hindu panchang for Varanasi and may differ by a day in some local calendars. We confirm the exact date with you when you book.
Tell us when you plan to come. We arrange hotels near the ghats, boat rides, darshan assistance, local guides and transfers.
Dev Deepawali follows Kartik Purnima, about 15 days after Diwali, so the English-calendar date changes every year. Upcoming dates: 2026: Tue, 24 Nov 2026; 2027: Sat, 13 Nov 2027; 2028: Wed, 1 Nov 2028; 2029: Tue, 20 Nov 2029; 2030: Sat, 9 Nov 2030; 2031: Fri, 28 Nov 2031.
On Kartik Purnima, about 15 days after Diwali. See the dates table on this page.
As early as possible — at least 4–6 weeks ahead for hotels and boats.
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