Quick answer: Dev Deepawali 2026 falls on Tuesday 24 November, the full moon of Kartik, when the ghats of Varanasi are lit with lakhs of lamps. The five things not to miss are watching the lit ghats from a boat, the Ganga Aarti, a Deep Daan on the river, darshan at Kashi Vishwanath and a walk through the old lanes. House of Ullassa runs a Bajra boat evening, a group tour and a Taj Ganges stay for the festival.
Dev Deepawali, also searched as Dev Diwali, marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, which is why the day is also called Tripurari Purnima. As dusk falls on Kartik Purnima, the steps of the ghats along the Ganga and the temples of Kashi light up together. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima tithi runs from 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November 2026, and the Pradosh Kaal for lighting lamps in Varanasi is 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM.
If this is your first time, here is how to make the most of the evening and the days around it.
1. Watch the lit ghats from a boat on the Ganga
The single best view of Dev Deepawali is from the river. From the ghats you see the crowd around you. From the water you see the whole crescent of Kashi glowing at once, with the lamps reflected on the Ganga and fireworks over the river.
A traditional Bajra is a large, slow wooden boat, and its upper deck gives a wide, open view. The Dev Deepawali 2026 Bajra boat package by House of Ullassa runs on 24 November 2026 at ₹8,500 per person, with reporting at 4:00 PM. It includes reserved seating on a double decked Bajra, a live Damru performance, stories from a Kashi Cultural Host and traditional Banarasi refreshments. It is an evening programme only, so it suits travellers who have arranged their own stay.
2. See the Ganga Aarti on Kartik Purnima
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a daily ritual in Varanasi, but on Dev Deepawali it takes place against a riverfront lit end to end. Priests offer large brass lamps to the river in rhythm with bells, conch shells and chanting.
The ghat itself gets extremely crowded, so many travellers watch from the river instead. The Dev Deepawali 2026 Varanasi Group Tour includes VIP reserved viewing of the Ganga Aarti from the boat on festival night, subject to availability, along with a sunset boat ride and Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat on arrival day. House of Ullassa also arranges private Ganga Aarti ceremonies for groups in Varanasi, subject to local permissions and availability. See our Ganga Aarti tours and read Varanasi, Haridwar or Rishikesh: which Ganga Aarti to see first.
3. Offer a lamp to the Ganga with a Deep Daan
Dev Deepawali is a festival you take part in, not only one you watch. A Deep Daan means floating a small lit lamp on the Ganga as an offering. Kartik Purnima is also a traditional day for a holy dip in the Ganga in the early morning, and many devotees bathe at dawn before the evening lighting.
On the House of Ullassa Bajra evening, a priest onboard guides the Deep Daan, so you know the right way to make the offering. On the group tour, a ritual kit with lamps, incense, a copper lota and flowers is part of the special amenities.
4. Take darshan at Kashi Vishwanath and Kaal Bhairav
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and a visit to Varanasi at Dev Deepawali feels incomplete without darshan. Many pilgrims also visit Annapurna Devi Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple, the guardian deity of Kashi.
Queues are long in festival week, so plan darshan for a day other than festival evening. The group tour includes Sugam darshan at Kashi Vishwanath and Kal Bhairav Temple, subject to temple authorisation and availability, and does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. The Dev Deepawali Taj Ganges Package includes Mangala Aarti with Sparsha at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Day 3 (subject to temple authorisation and availability, and does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times), followed by darshan at Annapurna, Vishalakshi and Kaal Bhairav temples. Read our Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga guide.
5. Walk the old lanes, shop and taste Banaras
The festival is the evening, but the days around it are when you meet the city. Walk the lanes around Godowlia and the Vishwanath temple area, browse Banarasi silk sarees, brass items and wooden toys, and try the city’s famous vegetarian street food in the morning before the crowds build. Our guide to the 5 must eat foods of Varanasi during Dev Deepawali lists what to order and where.
For ideas beyond the ghats, read Varanasi Beyond the Ghats: hidden temples and tales of Kashi. The Taj Ganges package also includes a handpicked Weaver’s Market at Hotel Clarks with time for Banarasi silk and handicraft shopping.
Which House of Ullassa package fits you?
House of Ullassa has three Dev Deepawali 2026 departures, and each is a separate product:
| Package | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bajra Boat Evening | 24 November, reporting 4:00 PM | ₹8,500 per person |
| Varanasi Group Tour | 23 to 25 November, 2 nights, 3 days | ₹8,500 per person, double sharing |
| Taj Ganges Package | 24 to 26 November, 2 nights, 3 days | ₹1,25,000 per person |
Want the river view without planning a hotel? Pick the Bajra evening. Want stay, darshan and the festival boat sorted? Pick the group tour. Want a premium stay with a private Bajra? Pick the Taj Ganges package. Compare all Dev Deepawali 2026 packages or see every date on our festival tours page.
Advance booking is recommended because availability during Dev Deepawali is limited. Before you go, read the 5 Dev Deepawali mistakes to avoid in Varanasi, and browse all Festival Tour packages. Ask the House of Ullassa team to confirm availability before payment, or message House of Ullassa on WhatsApp.
Book the Dev Deepawali 2026 Bajra boat package
Tuesday 24 November 2026, reporting 4:00 PM, ₹8,500 per person. A reserved seat on a traditional double decked Bajra, Ganga Aarti from the river, a guided Deep Daan with a priest onboard, live Damru, a Kashi Cultural Host and Banarasi refreshments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
Dev Deepawali 2026 is on Tuesday 24 November, on Kartik Purnima. In Varanasi the Pradosh Kaal for lighting lamps is 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM, as per Drik Panchang.
What is the best way to see Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
From a boat on the Ganga. You see the whole lit riverfront, the Ganga Aarti and the fireworks without standing in the crowd on the ghats.
What is a Deep Daan?
A Deep Daan is the offering of a lit lamp to the Ganga. On the House of Ullassa Bajra evening, a priest onboard guides it.
How much does a Dev Deepawali tour with House of Ullassa cost?
The Bajra boat evening and the group tour are each ₹8,500 per person, and the Taj Ganges package is ₹1,25,000 per person. Inclusions differ, so check each package page before booking.
Where is the best place to watch Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
A boat on the Ganga gives the widest view of the lit ghats, the Ganga Aarti and the fireworks. On land, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the centre of the celebrations and also the most crowded spot, so plan to reach it very early or watch from the river.
How early should I arrive for Dev Deepawali?
Leave for the ghats in the early afternoon. Lamps are lit in the Pradosh Kaal from 5:08 PM on 24 November 2026, and roads and lanes near the ghats fill up well before dusk. On the House of Ullassa Bajra evening, reporting time is 4:00 PM.