Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali is one of the most celebrated festivals in Varanasi. It is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, 15 days after Diwali – the festival of lights. This year Dev Diwali will be celebrated on 5th November 2025.
On Dev Diwali, the Ghats of Varanasi come alive with millions of diyas (earthen lamps) and thousands of visitors from all over the world. All the Ghats from Ravidas to Raj Ghat and their stairs appear glittering and shining like a stairway to heaven.
The water of the Ganga reflects the light of the beautiful full moon while boats move to leave the trail of diyas behind. It is an ineffable sight that can only be experienced by being there and witnessing it.
And below are the six reasons why we think you should not miss it!
1. It is Grand
When we say grand, we truly mean it!
The preparations begin days in advance, yet the magic of Dev Diwali shines brightest for just a few hours on Kartik Poornima evening. The sheer scale – thousands of people, rituals, and countless lamps- is impossible to take in all at once.
2. The City Comes Alive
The celebrations in Banaras reach their peak during Dev Diwali!
Devotees from across India and abroad come to the ghats to perform rituals on Kartik Poornima. It’s the perfect opportunity to witness the diverse cultural and spiritual essence of India in one place.
3. Best Season To Visit Varanasi
Winter is, without doubt, the best season to experience Varanasi.
Cold mornings, sunny afternoons, and a mystical layer of mist over the Ganga make the riverfront look surreal. The spiritual rituals performed in this backdrop feel timeless and otherworldly.
4. Evening Boat Rides
On Dev Diwali, it is believed that the Gods themselves descend to bathe in the Ganga. To welcome them, the ghats are illuminated with millions of diyas.
When you witness this from a boat, the reflection on the water makes the ghats appear like a celestial stairway to heaven. It is one of the most magical experiences Varanasi has to offer.
5. Migratory Birds
Winter also brings a feathered gift to Varanasi – migratory birds.
From northern pintails and bar-headed geese to reddish shelducks and cormorants, these birds travel thousands of miles to grace the Ganga. Photographers and nature lovers flock here to capture their beauty as they soar over the river.
And even if birdwatching isn’t your thing, sipping hot tea on a misty morning boat ride is an experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget your camera 😉
6. Malaiyo
Malaiyo is a local winter delicacy made from raw milk and dew drops. Yes, you read it right, dew drops! In winter one can find it everywhere in Varanasi but if you want to taste the real one then you will have to go deep into the streets around the Chowk area. The most famous one is the Shree ji Malaiyo which is in the Thatheri Bazaar near Gopal Mandir and is only available until 11 AM. It’s lip-smacking and delicious!
We wanted to keep this list short that’s why we didn’t put everything here. Otherwise, there are so many offbeat places to see and so many cool places to eat street food in Varanasi. Join us on a Dev Diwali special heritage walk on 5th November to unlock the secrets of Varanasi.
If you’d like to know more about Dev Diwali and its history then read Dev Deepawali when gods descend to heart.
