Dev Diwali In Varanasi 2025

Date & Timings

• Dev Diwali 2025 falls on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. 
• Kartik Purnima tithi starts 4 Nov at about 10:36 PM and ends 5 Nov at about 6:48 PM. 
• The main celebrations, especially the evening rituals like Ganga Aarti & lamp-lighting, happen during Pradosh Kaal, typically between 5:15 PM to 7:50 PM. 

Significance & Legend

• Dev Diwali, also called Dev Deepawali (the “Diwali of the Gods”), is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, i.e. 15 days after the regular Diwali. 
• Legend says that on this day the gods descend to the Ganges to bathe in its holy waters. 
• It also commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. 

Rituals & Celebrations

• Here’s what to expect and what people traditionally do:
• Kartik Snan (Holy Dip in Ganga) early in the morning on Kartik Purnima. Devotees believe the bath cleanses sins. 
• Deep Daan (Lamp Offering / Diyas) in the evening on the ghats. Oil lamps are placed along the ghats and floated in the river. Ghats, homes, and temples all light up. 
• Ganga Aarti: The major visual highlight. Performed at ghats like Dashashwamedh, Assi, etc., with priests, chants, fire lamps, conch shells, etc. 
• Decorations and Cultural Programs: Classical music/dance performances, laser/light shows on ghats, projection shows (e.g. on Kashi Vishwanath Corridor), boat rides on Ganges, etc. 

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early, especially in the evening. The ghats fill up fast. 
• Book accommodation near the ghats well in advance. 
• If possible, book a boat ride on the Ganges to view the lamp-lighting and aarti from the river — it gives a magical perspective. 
• Be prepared for very large crowds. Keep personal belongings safe. Use public transport or arrange pick-ups because traffic and parking near ghats will be tight. 
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, since you’ll likely walking on uneven steps / ghats. Also carry water, a light snack, maybe a shawl (evening can be cooler).