Searching for a Dev Diwali package in Varanasi usually means one thing: you want the 24 November 2026 evening sorted without chasing five different people. The confusing part is that “package” means different things to different sellers. Here is what the main options are, what they cost, and how to pick the right one.
What is a Dev Diwali package?
Dev Diwali (Tuesday, 24 November 2026, Kartik Purnima) is a single evening event. Most “packages” are built around the one thing you cannot buy on the day: a good seat on a boat from Gaay Ghat to watch the diyas, the Ganga Aarti, the laser show and the fireworks. Everything else (hotel, guide, transfers, extra days) is added around it.
The three kinds of Dev Diwali package
1. Boat-only package (most popular)
You arrange your own hotel and travel. You book the boat seat or the whole boat. This is the best value and the most flexible. Our boat prices for 2026 start at ₹3,999 per person. See all boats and book online.
2. Boat + stay package
The boat is bundled with 1 to 3 hotel nights near the ghats. Useful because hotels near the river fill up first and prices rise sharply around Dev Diwali. Compare the bundle with the price of booking the hotel and boat separately.
3. Full tour package
Boat, hotel, local guide, temple visits, Sarnath, airport or station pickup and sometimes a day trip. Good for first-time visitors and families who do not want to plan. See the Dev Diwali itinerary for 2, 3, 4 and 5 days for how the days can be laid out.
2026 boat prices and who each one is for
| Boat | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Celebration Boat | from ₹3,999 per person | Budget travellers, friends, a lively crowd |
| Shared Vibe | ₹4,499 per person | Small groups who like a shared atmosphere |
| Close Circle | ₹4,999 per person | Couples and families who want fewer people on board |
| Bajra Sky Deck | ₹8,999 per person | Larger decked boat with a premium feel |
| Maharaja VIP | ₹11,999 per person | Top-end experience, VIP seating |
| Private Family Boat | ₹54,999 per boat | A family or group that wants a whole boat |
Not sure which one? Read the boat types explained, or look at the Private Family Boat if you are travelling with elders or children (see also our Dev Diwali plan for senior citizens).
What is usually included in a Dev Diwali boat package
- Seat on the boat for the evening from Gaay Ghat, with life jackets
- Reporting at 4:00 PM, start around 5:00 PM, return to the ghat around 9:00 PM
- Views of the Ganga Aarti, millions of diyas and the fireworks from the water
- Instant confirmation and invoice by email after online payment
Always check the exact inclusions on the boat page before paying. Hotel, meals, transfers and guide are normally extra unless a package says so.
How to compare packages (and avoid problems)
- Ask where the boat boards. Gaay Ghat, Dashashwamedh or another ghat changes how far you walk.
- Ask for the boat type and the seat count. “Dev Diwali boat” can mean anything from a crowded shared boat to a private one.
- Check the cancellation and reschedule terms in writing.
- Look for a real invoice and a payment link on a company site, not a personal UPI number.
- Be wary of very low prices. Seats on Dev Diwali are limited and a price far below the market usually has a catch.
When to book
Book the boat first, then the hotel. Boats at Gaay Ghat are limited, and the good ones go early. Hotels follow the same pattern but fill even faster on the 23rd and 24th. If you plan to stay longer, see our advice on arriving a day before and extending after Dev Diwali, when crowds fall and hotel rates drop.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dev Diwali package cost in 2026?
Boat seats start at ₹3,999 per person. Premium decked boats go up to ₹11,999 per person, and a Private Family Boat is ₹54,999 per boat. Hotels, guide and transfers are priced separately.
What is the difference between a Dev Diwali boat booking and a Dev Diwali tour package?
A boat booking is the seat for the evening only. A tour package adds hotel, guide, transfers and sightseeing around it.
Is a Dev Diwali package worth it?
If you already have a hotel, a boat-only booking is the best value. If you are travelling from far away and want everything handled, a full package saves time.
Can I pay online?
Yes, for the main boats. Celebration, Shared Vibe, Close Circle, Bajra Sky Deck and Maharaja VIP can be paid online by UPI or card. The Private Family Boat is booked on WhatsApp.
Book now
Seats are limited and the date is fixed. If you want a hotel, guide or extra days arranged, message us and we will build a plan around your boat.
Choose your Dev Diwali boat
