Dev Deepavali 2025, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights of the Gods’, will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. On this sacred night, the ghats of Kashi come alive with the glow of millions of diyas (earthen lamps), illuminating the River Ganga in a celestial spectacle of devotion and light.
Falling fifteen days after Diwali, on Kartik Poornima, Dev Deepavali marks the descent of divine beings to Earth and attracts lakhs of devotees, photographers, and travelers from across the world to witness this spiritual wonder.
Dev Deepavali Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 5 November 2025 |
| Occasion | Kartik Poornima (Full Moon) – 15 days after Diwali |
| Main Attraction | Over 1 crore diyas lit across 80+ ghats of Varanasi |
| Major Ghats | Dashashwamedh, Assi, Namo, Rajendra Prasad, Chet Singh, Lalita |
| Expected Visitors | Around 25 lakh tourists (as per Aaj Tak, 2025 coverage) |
| Special Programs | Ganga Aarti, Laser Projection Shows, Green Fireworks, Cultural Events |
| Organizers | Varanasi Municipal Corporation & Ganga Seva Nidhi |
| Theme (2025) | “Spirit of Banaras” – showcased via Laser Shows at Chet Singh Fort |
Dev Deepavali Date & Time
Dev Deepavali occurs on the full moon day (Poornima) of the Hindu month of Kartika, which usually falls in November. It marks the end of Ganga Mahotsav and symbolizes the descent of celestial beings to the holy river. Check the Tithi & divine timing of Dev Deepavali 2025 from below:
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Festival Date | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | November 4, 2025 – 10:36 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | November 5, 2025 – 6:48 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal Dev Deepawali Muhurat | November 5, 2025 – 5:15 PM to 7:50 PM |
| Grand Diya Lighting & Aarti | After Sunset (around 6:00 PM onwards) |
During this period, devotees perform Kartik Snan (holy dip) in the Ganga and light diyas along all 80+ ghats of Varanasi.
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Dev Deepawali 2025 Event Schedule
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Arrival & sunset preparations | Dashashwamedh, Assi, Namo Ghats |
| 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Ganga Aarti | Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat |
| 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Laser Projection Show (1st show) | Chet Singh Fort, Lalita Ghat |
| 8:00 PM – 8:25 PM | Laser Projection Show (2nd show) | Chet Singh Fort |
| 9:00 PM – 9:25 PM | Laser Projection Show (3rd show) | Chet Singh Fort |
| 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Green Fireworks Display | Namo Ghat (best viewing point) |
| All Night | Cultural performances, devotional music, and floating diyas | Across all major ghats |
Also Read: Kartik Purnima
Dev Diwali Location – The Glowing Ghats of Kashi
The festival is celebrated across the ghats of the Ganges, stretching from Ravidas Ghat in the south to Rajghat in the north. The entire riverfront becomes a breathtaking panorama of shimmering lights and spiritual chants.
Must-Visit Ghats during Dev Deepavali
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: The main venue for the Grand Ganga Aarti. The tradition of lighting diyas on Dev Deepavali began here in 1991.
- Assi Ghat: Famous for cultural programs, classical performances, and morning yoga sessions.
- Rajendra Prasad Ghat: Offers panoramic views of Dashashwamedh’s illumination.
- Chet Singh Ghat: Hosts the iconic laser and projection show narrating mythological tales of Varanasi.
- Panchganga Ghat: Holds historical significance as one of the earliest ghats where Dev Deepavali was celebrated (since 1985).
Each ghat tells a story, and together, they create the unforgettable radiance of Kashi by night.
Spiritual Importance and Cultural Significance
Dev Deepavali is not just a festival of lights, it’s a spiritual experience that reflects the essence of Hindu devotion, mythology, and harmony.
- Divine Descent: It is believed that on this day, the gods descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges. Lighting lamps is a symbolic welcome to the divine.
- Victory of Lord Shiva: The day marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, hence it is also known as Tripurotsav or Tripura Purnima.
- Kartik Snan: The ritual bath on Kartik Poornima is considered one of the holiest acts, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha (liberation).
- Multi-Faith Celebration: The day coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti (for Sikhs) and Gautama Swami’s Nirvana Day (for Jains), symbolizing unity across beliefs.
- Devotion through Light: Millions of diyas lit across the ghats reflect collective devotion, purity, and the victory of good over evil.
Events, Rituals, and Key Attractions
The five-day celebration begins with Prabodhini Ekadashi and ends on Kartik Poornima, featuring rituals, aarti, music, and cultural performances.
Main Rituals
-
Kartik Snan: Devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganges before sunrise.
-
Deepdan Ceremony: In the evening, lamps are offered to Goddess Ganga as a mark of reverence.
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Temple Visits: Pilgrims offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other shrines.
Key Attractions
- The Grand Ganga Aarti: Performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat by 21 priests and 24 women using brass lamps, conch shells, and incense, synchronized with devotional chants and music.
- Million Diyas Illumination: Over 21 lakh diyas light up Varanasi’s ghats, temples, and streets, creating a mesmerizing golden glow that reflects over the Ganga.
- Fireworks Display: Eco-friendly green fireworks fill the night sky, symbolizing divine joy. Best viewed from the river.
- Laser and Projection Shows: Chet Singh Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor feature light shows narrating Varanasi’s cultural legacy.
- Tribute to Martyrs: Ceremonies at Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad Ghats honor Indian soldiers, with the participation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Ganga Mahotsav: A five-day cultural carnival featuring classical music, handicrafts, and boat races, culminating on Dev Deepavali.
Sample Dev Deepavali Schedule – November 5, 2025
| Time | Event / Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Kartik Snan & Morning Darshan | Holy dip in Ganga, followed by visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. |
| 4:00 PM | Arrival at Ghats | Arrive early to find space before crowds gather. |
| 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Deepdan Ceremony Begins | Devotees light diyas across the ghats. |
| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Ganga Aarti | Main ritual performance at Dashashwamedh Ghat. |
| 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Laser Show at Chet Singh Ghat | Visual storytelling of Kashi’s mythology. |
| 8:30 PM Onwards | Fireworks and Cultural Events | Grand finale across major ghats. |
Tips to Get the Best Experience of Dev Deepavali
Experiencing Dev Deepavali can be overwhelming due to the massive turnout. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:
- Book Early: Reserve hotels, cruises, and flights months ahead — Varanasi sees lakhs of visitors during this period.
- Pre-Book a Boat: For the best view of the Aarti and fireworks, book your boat through official portals or licensed operators.
- Arrive Early: Reach ghats by 3:30 PM to find a comfortable viewing spot.
- Stay Near the River: Lodging near Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat offers the most convenient access.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: Expect long walks through crowded lanes and uneven steps.
- Carry Essentials: Power bank, water bottle, and light snacks.
- Respect Rituals: Maintain silence during Aarti, avoid flash photography, and dress modestly.
- Safety First: Use government-approved boats, wear life jackets, and avoid entering overcrowded areas.
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How to Reach Varanasi for Dev Diwali
Varanasi, one of India’s oldest cities, is well connected by air, rail, and road.
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is 25 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Taxis, autos, and shuttle buses are available. |
| By Train | Varanasi Junction (Cantt Station) is the main station, 6.5 km from the ghats. Tuk-tuks or app cabs connect directly to Godowlia Chowk. |
| By Road | Accessible via NH 2, 7, 29 & 56. Due to crowd control, private vehicles are restricted near ghats during the festival; park in designated zones and use local transport. |
Travel Tip: For international tourists, Varanasi can be reached via Delhi or Lucknow by flight or overnight train.
Instant Loans and Financial Planning for Dev Deepavali Travel
While official tourism and festival websites do not directly provide financing options, travelers can easily manage their Dev Deepavali expenses through personal loans available on trusted digital platforms.
One of the most convenient ways to access such funding is through the Buddy Loan app , a reliable digital fintech marketplace that connects borrowers with a network of verified lenders. Rather than offering loans directly, Buddy Loan acts as a bridge between you and top financial institutions, helping you find the right personal loan based on your credit profile, income, and repayment capacity.
With Buddy Loan, you can quickly apply online for a personal loan to cover travel bookings, hotel stays, festival shopping, and photography tours. The process is fully digital, documentation is minimal, and approvals are often faster compared to traditional banking channels.
Note: Always review interest rates, eligibility, and processing fees before finalizing any loan offer. A well-planned financial decision ensures that your Dev Deepavali journey remains joyful, meaningful, and stress-free.
Conclusion
Dev Deepavali 2025 is not just an event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of India’s spirituality and culture.
From the illuminated ghats to the Ganga Aarti, every moment embodies devotion, unity, and peace.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, cultural enthusiast, or traveler, witnessing Dev Deepavali in Kashi (Varanasi) promises to be an unforgettable memory, a night where the earthly meets the divine in the glow of countless lamps.
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