Dev Diwali in Varanasi 2025: History, Significance, Celebrations, and Dates

• A Million Diyas Lighting the Ghats

Picture the entire stretch of ghats, from Assi to Rajghat, glowing under the light of countless earthen lamps. Nearly 20 lakh diyas illuminate Varanasi’s 84 ghats, including over a lakh crafted from cow dung, adding an eco-friendly touch. Volunteers, locals, and pilgrims all come together to arrange and light the lamps, while neighborhood contests and contributions from artisans and potters in nearby districts add to the spirit of community. As the diyas flicker in unison, they cast a golden pathway across the Ganga, making the river itself appear crowned with light.

• The Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Ganga Aarti unfolds as a grand ritual led by 21 Brahmin priests alongside 42 young women trained in Vedic traditions. For 45 minutes, the ghats glow with the light of massive brass lamps, the sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense, and perfectly synchronized movements performed to ancient chants. The spectacle draws lakhs of devotees and visitors, who secure their spots on the ghat steps or in boats hours before dusk. Timed with lunar cycles, the aarti begins only after meticulous preparations that start well in advance.

• Kartik Snan

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Ganga Aarti unfolds as a grand ritual led by 21 Brahmin priests alongside 42 young women trained in Vedic traditions. For 45 minutes, the ghats glow with the light of massive brass lamps, the sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense, and perfectly synchronized movements performed to ancient chants. The spectacle draws lakhs of devotees and visitors, who secure their spots on the ghat steps or in boats hours before dusk. Timed with lunar cycles, the aarti begins only after meticulous preparations that start well in advance.

• Boat Rides Under a Sky of Lights

A boat ride on the Ganga during Dev Diwali feels dreamlike. Diyas flicker on the water’s surface, fireworks burst above, and the river seems to carry the city’s joy in its flow.

• Cultural Events

Throughout the evening of Dev Diwali, ghats such as Assi, Rajendra Prasad, and Darbhanga serve as performance platforms for classical dance and music. Performances include Kathak, Odissi, Dhrupad, and Thumri, often set on floating stages or temporary platforms.

• Temple Celebrations

From dawn till late into the night, the temples of Varanasi, especially Kashi Vishwanath, resonate with devotion. Priests conduct elaborate abhishek, recite sacred mantras, and adorn the sanctums with rows of glowing diyas and vibrant marigold garlands. The ceremonies unfold in accordance with age-old Agama traditions. Special bhog is prepared and offered to devotees, while temple courtyards host smaller satsangs, family rituals, and private offerings.

• Tribute to Martyrs

Dev Diwali also carries a patriotic undertone. At prominent ghats such as Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad, ceremonies are held in tribute to the nation’s martyrs. The program features guard-of-honor salutes, wreath-laying rituals, and moving performances of patriotic songs by school choirs and defense bands. Sky lamps are released into the night sky as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

• Fireworks and Processions

As night falls, the skyline of Banaras lights up with fireworks. Processions of deities move through narrow lanes, adding to the festive and sacred atmosphere.

• Laser and Projection Show

During Dev Diwali, Chet Singh Ghat transforms into a dazzling stage for laser shows and projection mapping. Mythological tales from the Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana come alive as 3D visuals are cast onto the walls of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Synchronized with powerful audio, the sequences weave together the rich spiritual and cultural history of Varanasi.