Stay Near Ghats and Celebrate Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi

Finding a Stay Near the Ganga Ghats in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali 2026?

Significance of Dev Deepawali

Dev Deepawali means the 'Diwali of the Gods'. It falls on Kartik Purnima on 24 November 2026, 15 days after Diwali. According to the tradition of Kashi, the gods come down to Varanasi on this night to bathe in the Ganga and celebrate the festival.

The lamps decorating the Ganga ghats are the city's way of welcoming them. The festival also marks Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, who had won three flying cities and troubled both heaven and earth. On the night of Dev Deepawali, Lord Shiva destroyed all three cities with a single arrow, and the gods lit diyas to celebrate the victory. That is why the day is also called Tripurari Purnima.

Legend of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

The story of Dev Deepawali is deeply rooted in the Puranas and carries age-old traditions.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and the demon Tarakasura's three sons: Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Kamakaksha. The three brothers earned a boon from Lord Brahma through intense tapasya (penance). They built three invincible forts of gold, silver, and iron, situated in heaven, earth, and the netherworld (Patal Lok); the forts, known as Tripura, would align only once every thousand years. Due to the boon's conditions, demons thrived. When demons started to disturb universal balance, on Lord Vishnu's advice, Lord Shiva absorbed the combined energy of the gods, created a chariot, made Mount Meru its bow, Vasuki its string and used the Pashupatastra weapon as its single arrow. When the three forts aligned, Shiva released the arrow and destroyed Tripura. This day is celebrated as Dev Deepawali.

Another story centres on King Divodasa (Ripunjaya); he was king of Kashi and asked for a pact that banned Lord Shiva and other gods from entering Kashi Nagari. The gods found flaws in the pact and sent yoginis, Adityas, Bhairavas and even Ganesha, who was disguised as a Brahmin. After Lord Ganesha's advice, King Divodasa invited Lord Shiva back to Kashi. The king accepted the advice and established a Shivaling near today's Mir Ghat and prayed to Lord Shiva to stay in Kashi permanently. To celebrate Lord Shiva's return to Kashi, it is lit with diyas and lamps to make Dev Deepawali the festival of divine homecoming.

Why Visit Varanasi during Dev Deepawali?

Visiting Varanasi during Dev Deepawali offers a magnificent look at Kashi; the Ganga ghats glowing with diyas and evening Aarti on the ghats give spiritual vibes. All the ghats of Kashi are lit up with diyas, and the grand Ganga Aarti is organised, which draws lakhs of visitors from India and around the world. Experiencing boat rides, cultural and music events, and the pleasant weather of November makes for an all-round experience.

Dev Deepawali Celebration in Varanasi

Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepawali like no other city in India; Varanasi is also known as 'Kashi' and 'Banaras'. The city becomes more spiritual at the time of Diwali and Dev Deepawali; Varanasi celebrates this with mythology, spirituality, devotion, and patriotism. At this time, Kashi really becomes 'the city of light', and every soul who witnesses this timeless union of faith and beauty never forgets it.

• The tradition of diyas on the ghats was revived in the 18th century by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar; the queen built a monumental pillar of a thousand lamps at Panchganga Ghat.
• The Ganga ghats are decorated with lakhs of diyas (earthen lamps) that line the ghats, temples and rooftops, and diyas also float upon the Ganga River, turning the ghats into a shimmering galaxy of light.
• All ghats have their own committee to arrange diyas in different patterns such as maps of India, OM or Swastik symbols, deities, and flowers, while local volunteers contribute diyas, oil and decorative items freely.
• There are fireworks, decorated boats, cultural performances, music and traditional dances performed by artists.
• The day in Varanasi starts with Ganga Snan (holy bath) on Kartik Purnima; in the evening, devotees offer oil lamps to the river, which is called Deep Daan.
• The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is longer and bigger than the usual daily aarti on the ghats, with 21 priests and a group of young women performing aarti together.
• On the day of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, an event is organised to pay tribute to soldiers. Garlands are laid at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Rajendra Ghat. The programme is organised by Ganga Seva Nidhi, with the police and armed forces taking part, blending festive vibe with patriotism.
• Dashashwamedh Ghat gets a different theme each year; last year's theme was Operation Sindoor. Every year, thousands of people come to visit Varanasi to experience the spiritual vibe.
• The first lamp is lit at the stone lamp pillar known as Hazara Deepstambh on Panchganga Ghat.
• Dashashwamedh Ghat has the biggest crowd during Dev Deepawali, while other ghats also have crowds, but fewer; Assi Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, and Raj Ghat are also good spots to see the lines of lamp decorations.

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi: Festivals & Events Dates

Stay Near the Ghats for the Best Dev Deepawali Experience

During Dev Deepawali, staying near the ghats gives the best views and spiritual vibes you're looking for, and it's also convenient to reach the Ganga River for holy dips. The ghats shimmer with diyas and lights, and the river reflects them, making the whole river glow.

SpottyGo has verified hotels near the ghats in Varanasi for solo travellers, families and groups of pilgrims. Accommodation offers modern amenities and parking, and travellers looking for a budget stay near Varanasi ghats can find dharamshalas with clean rooms near temples. You can book dharamshala rooms in Varanasi online on SpottyGo.

Dharamshala near Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

Still worried about where to stay in Varanasi and what the best budget stays are? Check out SpottyGo's list of the best hotels and dharamshalas in Varanasi and pick a suitable stay for this Dev Deepawali.

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air

The nearest airport to Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur, located around 22 km to 25 km away from the city. Regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are well connected. From the airport, taxis and local transport are available to reach the main city.

Alternative airport options for Varanasi:

By Rail

Varanasi has its own railway station, Varanasi Junction, approx. 4 to 6 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction is approx. 14 to 15 km from the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Varanasi railway station is well connected to major cities of India. From the railway station, you can hire taxis, e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws; they are easily available outside the station.

Alternative railway station options for Varanasi:

By Road

Varanasi is well connected by national highways like NH 19, NH 7 and NH 29. UPSRTC state-run buses and private buses operate intercity services connecting Varanasi with regional cities like Lucknow, Ayodhya and Prayagraj.

Distance from Varanasi to major cities:

Travel Tips for Varanasi during Dev Deepawali

• Book train tickets well in advance, as seats fill up early during Dev Deepawali time.
• Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi to witness the grandeur of Dev Deepawali, and accommodations here fill up in advance; it is highly recommended to book your Varanasi stay at least 1 month before visiting.
• Arriving early at the ghats in the evening gives a good viewing spot for the diya lighting ceremony and Ganga Aarti.
• For the best view of Dev Deepawali, booking a boat ride is best, as watching lakhs of diyas reflecting on the Ganga River from the water is an experience unlike from the ghats.
• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is held on a much grander scale than usual on Dev Deepawali; be on the ghat early, as at the time of aarti it gets too crowded.
• Expect road closures and traffic diversions near the ghats on Dev Deepawali evening.
• Plan to walk the last stretch to the ghats, as private vehicles are restricted near the riverfront and ghats area.
• The narrow galis of Varanasi near the ghats become extremely crowded during Dev Deepawali; do not carry valuable items and keep elderly people and kids close to prevent any mishap.
• Local transport like e-rickshaws and autos stop running near ghat areas after a certain point due to road closures.
• If visiting Varanasi, you must try regional food like Kachori Sabzi, Thandai, Banarasi Paan and 'Malaiyo', the thick malai that is famous in Varanasi.
• Avoid taking selfies and photos during peak hours near the ghat steps, and take care of elderly people and kids around the water body, especially near the ghats.

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