Dev Deepawali 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November, which is Kartik Purnima. Varanasi’s ghats will again be lined with earthen lamps along the Ganga. If you are thinking of going, the main things to sort out early are dates, a boat and a room, because all three get scarce well before the night. This guide covers the timings, where to watch from, rough boat costs and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Dev Deepawali 2026 date and muhurat
According to Drik Panchang’s Varanasi calendar:
- Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
- Pradosh kaal muhurat (Varanasi): 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM
- Purnima tithi: begins 11:42 PM on 23 November and ends 8:23 PM on 24 November
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple trust’s own festival list also puts Dev Deepawali on 24 November, as reported by Amar Ujala. Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the same day, so the date is busy across north India.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali, the “Diwali of the gods”, marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. That is why the day is also called Tripurari Purnima or Tripurotsav. Devotees bathe in the Ganga in the morning. At dusk the steps of the ghats and many of Kashi’s temples are lit with lakhs of diyas. It comes 15 days after Diwali and closes the holy month of Kartik. If you enjoy this side of India’s festival calendar, our piece on Janmashtami celebrations at ISKCON temples is a good companion read.
How the evening usually unfolds
- Late afternoon: Ghat volunteers and residents set out and light the diyas. Crowds start to fill the riverfront well before sunset.
- Around dusk: The diyas are lit in sequence along the ghats. This is the image most people come to see.
- Evening: The Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ritual of the night. In recent years the administration has also staged light-and-sound or laser shows and fireworks, but the exact programme is announced closer to the date.
Check the Varanasi district administration and UP Tourism announcements in mid-November for 2026 timings and any traffic or boat restrictions.
Best places to watch Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
From a boat
A boat in mid-river is the only way to see a long stretch of lit ghats at once, which is why boats sell out first. Your options run from shared rowboats and motorboats to larger bajras (double-decker boats) and private cruises.
From the ghats
- Dashashwamedh and nearby ghats: You are at the centre of the aarti here, but the crowd is at its heaviest. It is not a good choice with small children or older relatives.
- Assi Ghat side: The atmosphere is a little more relaxed and the ghat is easier to reach from the southern hotel areas.
- Namo Ghat and Raj Ghat side: Local travel operators such as Kashi Yatra suggest these northern ghats if you want somewhat thinner crowds.
From a rooftop
Several guesthouses and cafés along the ghats sell rooftop access for the night. Ask about it when you book your stay.
Dev Deepawali boat booking and costs
There is no single official price list, and rates go up sharply as the date gets closer. To give you a rough idea, private operators such as Visit Kashi and Varanasi Boat list Dev Deepawali seats on shared boats from a few thousand rupees per person. Bajras and cruises cost more, and a whole private boat for the night can run to tens of thousands. Treat these as operator quotes, not fixed fares.
Before you pay:
- Confirm the boarding ghat, the reporting time and how long the ride lasts
- Ask whether life jackets are provided and how many passengers the boat carries
- Get the booking in writing (WhatsApp or email), with the operator’s phone number
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront to an operator you cannot verify
Planning your trip
When to book
Hotels near the ghats fill up weeks ahead for 23 to 25 November. If you are only now finding rooms close to Godowlia or Assi too expensive, consider staying in Cantonment or near BHU and taking an e-rickshaw in the afternoon. On the night itself, expect vehicle restrictions near the ghats and walk the last stretch. Our India winter travel guide explains booking windows for November and December.
Getting there
Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur) and by Varanasi Junction and Banaras railway stations. Trains are crowded around this time because Chhath (13 to 16 November) has only just ended, so book early.
Make it a three-day trip
- 23 Nov: Arrive, attend the evening Ganga aarti and take a quiet walk along the ghats
- 24 Nov: Morning holy dip or a sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath darshan, then Dev Deepawali in the evening
- 25 Nov: Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, about 10 km away
For other festivals worth building a trip around this season, see our 2026-27 festival travel calendar.
Safety and etiquette
- Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. Ghats are packed and the steps are wet.
- Agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.
- Do not fly drones unless you have permission. Restrictions are common during big events.
- Diyas are offerings, so don’t move them or step over them for a photo.
- Late November evenings are cool by the river. Carry a light jacket.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dev Deepawali 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima. The Pradosh muhurat in Varanasi is 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM.
Is Dev Deepawali the same as Kartik Purnima?
Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima. In 2026 they fall on the same day, 24 November, along with Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Which ghat is best for Dev Deepawali?
Dashashwamedh is the centre of the main aarti but is the most crowded. For more space, try ghats towards Assi or the Namo Ghat and Raj Ghat end, or watch from a boat.
How much does a Dev Deepawali boat ride cost?
Prices vary by operator and type of boat, and they rise close to the date. Shared seats are the cheapest option and private boats the most expensive. Compare current quotes from several operators and book in writing.
Is Dev Deepawali only celebrated in Varanasi?
Kartik Purnima is observed across India, but the mass lighting of diyas on the ghats that people mean by “Dev Deepawali” is centred on Varanasi.