7 Reasons Why Dev Diwali in Varanasi Deserves a Spot on Your Global Travel Bucket List
Monday, Oct 6, 2025
"The night where the time stops - the eternal glow of Dev Diwali"
For those travelers who want more than traveling to sightseeing - people who want to feel history, devotion and culture are alive - Dev Diwali in Varanasi is an experience that you cannot remember. Celebrated every year on Kartik Purnima (The Full Moon Night), it turns the magical festival riverfront into the glowing ocean of the lamp. Millions of dius are flicked with the ghats of the Ganges, while the sacred mantra, grand rituals and fireworks turn the city into a living work of art. To see Dev Diwali, one has to see one of the most intensive ceremonies of humanity and the soul.
When is Dev Diwali in 2025?
In 2025, Dev Diwali will be held on Wednesday, 5 November. The most important rituals and ceremonies will be performed between 5:15 pm to 7:50 pm (IST).
Top 7 Reasons to Experience Dev Diwali in Varanasi
| Reason No. |
Unique Feature |
Why It’s a Must-See |
| 1 |
The Festival of Endless Lamps |
Over a million diyas light up 80+ ghats, bathing the Ganges in golden brilliance. |
| 2 |
Sacred Origins & Legends |
Commemorates Lord Shiva’s triumph over the demon Tripurasura and the belief that deities descend to Earth on this night. |
| 3 |
The Majestic Ganga Aarti |
Priests perform synchronized rituals with conches, chants, and giant brass lamps — an awe-inspiring spiritual scene. |
| 4 |
A Paradise for Photographers |
Every corner glows — from diya reflections in the river to colorful crowds and fireworks in the sky. |
| 5 |
Immersive Local Culture |
Beyond rituals, the festival brings folk music, traditional food, and warm community celebrations. |
| 6 |
Varanasi’s Exclusive Festival |
Unlike Diwali, Dev Diwali is celebrated only in Varanasi, showcasing its timeless and deeply rooted traditions. |
| 7 |
Gateway to Other Pilgrimage Cities |
Easy extensions to Sarnath, Prayagraj, or Ayodhya make the trip a fuller spiritual journey. |
Top Activities & Best Viewing Times During Dev Diwali in Varanasi
| Activity |
Experience |
Best Viewing Time/Place |
| Lighting of Diyas |
Ghats transform into endless rivers of light |
Evening — Ramnagar & Dashashwamedh Ghats |
| Ganga Aarti |
Priests chanting with giant lamps & conches |
Sunset at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Fireworks |
Sky bursting with colorful celebrations |
After the Aarti |
| Cultural Programs |
Folk dance, music, and patriotic shows |
At the ghats & nearby cultural venues |
| Boat Ride on the Ganges |
The festival’s beauty reflected from the water |
Book in advance for evening rides |
Why should you not remember Dev Diwali
Dev Diwali is more than only one festival - it is a living expression of the soul of Varanasi. In an unforgettable night, you see centuries of faith, artistry and devotion. For cultural travelers, this is not just another event - this is the crown jewel of Indian festivals, and a memory that you will take for life.