Dev Diwali 2024 – 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss It!

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 15th November 2024.

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 mean it!

It is so grand that it is impossible to witness all of it at once. The preparations start a week before the event takes place much of which only lasts for about an hour or two!

2. The City Comes Alive

The celebrations in Banaras are at their peak around this time!

Dev Diwali 2024 Varanasi
A family making rangoli at the ghats | Picture by Shreenivas Yenni

Devotees from all over the world visit city to perform rituals at Ghats on Kartik Poornima. It makes an excellent opportunity for anyone who wishes to get a glimpse of India’s diverse culture.

Dev Diwali Varanasi ghat 2024
A woman lighting diyas at Kedar Ghat | Picture by Piyush Singh

3. Best Season To Visit Varanasi

Dev Diwali 2024 Varanasi
A priest performing rituals at the Ghat | Picture by Jyoti Sharma

Winter is the best season to visit Varanasi. Mornings are cold and days are sunny. The morning mist creates a surreal backdrop as people perform rituals at the riverfront. It’s a spiritual experience!

varanasi morning boat ride
Surreal morning view of Ganges | Picture by Ritura Biswas

4. Evening Boat Rides

Dev Diwali Varanasi 2024
A boat full of Diyas | Picture by Saurabh Rastogi

It is believed that on Dev Diwali Gods come down to take a bath in the Ganges. To welcome the Gods, ghats are decorated with millions of earthen lamps which If witnessed from a boat appear like a star-studded stairway to heaven.

Book a Dev Diwali Boat Ride

Dev deepawali varanasi
Ravidas Ghat as seen from a boat | picture by Jeroen Fritz

5. Migratory Birds

siberian birds varanasi
Siberian birds over the Ganges | picture by Aeron Paul

Birds fly from Serbia to Varanasi in winter. Birds such as northern pintail, reddish shelduck, Cormorant, bar-headed geese, golden pheasant, etc can be spotted at the Ghats. Tourists visit Varanasi to capture the beauty of these birds while they glide over the Ganges.

Varanasi birds boat ride
Morning boat rides are fun! | picture by Pedro Perestrello

It’s okay if birds are not your thing, morning boat rides with a sip of tea are always fun here. Oh! and don’t forget to get a nice picture! 😉

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!

best malaiyo in varanasi
Malaiyo, the winter delicacy of Varanasi | Picture by Varanasi Eats

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 15th 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.

Also read: Dev Deepawali Varanasi Travel Guide & Itinerary

Share it with your friends 

0
Your Cart is empty!

It looks like you haven't added any items to your cart yet.

Browse Products

Book Dev Diwali Heritage Walk

✨ Book Before October 30th and Get ₹201 Off! ✨

Original Price: ₹2500 | Discounted Price: ₹2299.
Selling fast!

Book Dev Diwali Boat Ride

✨ Book Before October 30th and Get 13% Off! ✨

Original Price: ₹5300 | Discounted Price: ₹4599.
Last Boat Left!

Thank you for your

reservation.

We’ve received your request and will confirm your booking shortly. Please check your email for confirmation details.