Festival guide 2025
Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the Gods, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima — 15 days after Diwali. The gods descend to bathe in the Ganga and celebrate with lights. This is a uniquely Varanasi tradition that has now gained national fame.
When to read
Festival dates are loading.
Central timing
Deepdan Muhurat
Festival length
Single-day observance
Festival story
Exact dates will appear once the calendar finishes loading.
Start with the story
Understand the observance before you open the schedule
We are still loading the exact observance window for this year.
Observed on
Loading date
Primary window
Deepdan Muhurat
Festival length
Single-day observance
Festival Significance
Why this observance stays alive in memory
Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the Gods, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima — 15 days after Diwali. The gods descend to bathe in the Ganga and celebrate with lights. This is a uniquely Varanasi tradition that has now gained national fame.
Ritual path
Rituals
Light over a million diyas on the steps of the ghats. Take holy dip in the Ganga under the full moon. Watch the grand Ganga Aarti. Float diyas on the river. Cultural performances on boats.
How to approach it
Festival rhythm
Read the timing first, then the central ritual, then the local context to understand how the observance feels on the ground.
In Varanasi
Where the city adds its own colour
Dev Deepawali is Varanasi's crown jewel celebration. Over 1 million diyas illuminate all 84 ghats. The PM often attends. Laser shows, cultural performances, and boat rides make it a spectacular event. Best viewed from a boat on the Ganga.