Dev Deepawali Tour 2026 in Varanasi — Festival of Lights at the Ghats
Dev Deepawali ('the Diwali of the Gods') falls on Kartik Purnima (24 November 2026). Millions of diyas illuminate every ghat from Assi to Raj Ghat. Reserved boats and grand Ganga Aarti.
Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima — fifteen days after Diwali — and is unique to Varanasi. Every one of the 84 ghats is lit by millions of clay diyas, and the entire river-facing wall of the city glows from dusk to midnight. The grand Ganga Aarti is performed simultaneously at Dashashwamedh, Assi, Panchganga, Rajendra Prasad, and Kedar Ghats. Most photographers and pilgrims book reserved boats from morning of Kartik Purnima — boats sell out 4–6 weeks ahead. Varanasi On Wheels has been organising Dev Deepawali packages for over 15 years, including reserved boats, riverside diya-lighting (with priest), and rooftop viewing terraces at Brijrama Palace or Suryauday Haveli. Book by mid-September for the best boats.
Tour Highlights
- Reserved boat for Dev Deepawali evening (24 Nov 2026)
- Diya-lighting ceremony with a priest at your assigned ghat
- Simultaneous Ganga Aarti at all major ghats
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan during the day
- Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat the next morning
- Optional: Bharat Mata Mandir, BHU illumination tour
- Optional: heritage haveli (Brijrama / Suryauday) rooftop dinner
Places Covered
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Arrival, Kashi Vishwanath, Subah-e-Banaras prep
Arrive Varanasi (23–24 November 2026 recommended). Hotel check-in. Lunch. Afternoon visit to Kashi Vishwanath — darshan is most peaceful in the daytime. Evening relaxed Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh. Overnight.
Kashi VishwanathDashashwamedh Ghat - 2
DEV DEEPAWALI — Kartik Purnima (24 Nov 2026)
Morning leisure (the city is preparing — diyas being lit across the day). Lunch by 2 PM. By 4:30 PM head to your reserved boat at Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh. From dusk onwards: diya-lighting at your ghat with our priest, then the boat moves slowly upstream toward Panchganga, then back. Grand Ganga Aarti starts at 6 PM. The river-facing wall of the city is fully illuminated — bring a fully charged camera. Return to ghat by 9:30 PM.
Assi GhatDashashwamedh GhatPanchganga GhatManikarnika Ghat - 3
Subah-e-Banaras + departure
5:30 AM departure for Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat — yoga, classical music, sunrise on the river. Breakfast. Optional Sarnath visit (12 km) on the way to the airport. Departure.
Assi GhatSarnath
What's Included
- Vehicle rental for the entire tour duration
- Experienced Varanasi-based driver familiar with all pilgrimage sites
- Fuel and standard maintenance
- All vehicle-related taxes and standard permits
- Air-conditioning during travel
- Bottled water for first day
- 24×7 support from the Varanasi On Wheels office
- Reserved boat seat for Dev Deepawali evening
- Diya-lighting kit (21 diyas, oil, wicks)
- Priest assistance at the ghat
What's Excluded
- Toll taxes and inter-state permits (charged at actuals)
- Driver night allowance for multi-day trips
- Personal expenses, tips, and shopping
- Temple darshan / VIP-darshan tickets
- Hotel / dharamshala accommodation (we can arrange on request)
- Meals at restaurants (we can recommend halal / pure-veg / Jain-friendly options)
- Boat ride charges at Ganga ghats
- 5% GST on the total invoice
- Premium rooftop viewing seats at heritage havelis (₹3,500–₹8,500 per person extra)
- Photography passes for restricted ghats
Pricing by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Capacity | Price From |
|---|---|---|
| Innova Crysta + shared boat | 1–6 pax | ₹6,500 / person (2-day) |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater + shared boat | 6–12 pax | ₹5,000 / person (2-day) |
| Innova + private boat (6-seater) | Up to 6 pax | ₹15,000 / person (3-day) |
| Maharaja Urbania + reserved private boat | 1–9 pax | ₹22,000 / person (3-day) |
* All prices exclude driver allowance, tolls, parking, and 5% GST. Minimum 250 km/day for outstation trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
How far in advance should I book Dev Deepawali?
What is the difference between Diwali and Dev Deepawali?
Can children attend Dev Deepawali?
Are mobile photography drones allowed?
Starting From
₹5,000 onwards / person
per person · transport only · excl. GST
Free quote · No booking fees · 24×7 support
Why Book With Us
- Since 1993 — 33 years of experience
- 50+ AC vehicles in fleet
- Drivers know every temple route
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- 24×7 emergency support