Dev Deepawali 2026: Kashi to Glow on November 24 as Millions of Diyas Illuminate the Ghats

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Varanasi: Preparations for Dev Deepawali 2026 are drawing attention in Kashi, the spiritual capital of India. Celebrated on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, the festival will fall on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. On this occasion, millions of earthen lamps will illuminate the crescent-shaped ghats along the Ganga, transforming the city into a spectacular landscape of light. Every year, this grand celebration attracts devotees and tourists from across India and abroad.

How Many Lakh Diyas Will Illuminate the Ghats of Kashi?

According to information circulating about Dev Deepawali 2026, plans have been mentioned to light more than 11 lakh diyas along the ghats of Kashi. Meanwhile, some recent media reports have also referred to a possible target of 25 lakh diyas this year. However, the final number of lamps and the detailed arrangements for the festival will become clear only after an official announcement by the district administration.

The tradition of lighting diyas at the major ghats of the Ganga and other religious sites across the city makes this festival particularly special. The golden glow of the lamps, their reflections on the flowing waters of the Ganga, and the sound of devotional chants create a deeply spiritual atmosphere throughout Kashi.

Dev Deepawali to Be Celebrated on November 24

According to the Hindu calendar, Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2026, Kartik Purnima falls on Tuesday, November 24. The main Dev Deepawali celebrations in Kashi will take place on this day.

The reported auspicious period for lighting diyas during Pradosh Kaal in Varanasi is from 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM.

According to religious beliefs, the gods descend to Earth on the night of Kartik Purnima to celebrate the festival of lights in Kashi, the sacred city of Lord Shiva. This belief is the reason the occasion is known as Dev Deepawali, or the Diwali of the Gods.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura on this day, freeing the gods from his tyranny. The festival is also associated with the celebration of this divine victory

Diya Lighting and Grand Ganga Aarti to Be Major Attractions

As evening falls on Dev Deepawali, lighting diyas along the ghats of Kashi becomes one of the most significant rituals of the celebration. Devotees light earthen lamps and offer prayers to Maa Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Namo Ghat and several other prominent ghats.

Grand Ganga Aarti ceremonies, religious rituals and cultural programmes are also among the major attractions of the festival. In previous years, special laser and projection shows have been organised at Chet Singh Ghat. However, the final schedule and details of the special programmes for 2026 will be confirmed after the official announcement.

Ganga Mahotsav to Be Held Before Dev Deepawali

Ganga Mahotsav is also organised in Kashi ahead of Dev Deepawali. The festival showcases India’s rich cultural heritage through Indian music, classical dance and other cultural performances.

According to some reports, Ganga Mahotsav 2026 is expected to take place between November 20 and November 23. However, official confirmation regarding the dates, venues, and participating artists is still awaited.

A Major Attraction for Domestic and International Tourists

Dev Deepawali draws large numbers of devotees and tourists to Varanasi every year. A boat ride on the Ganga, offering views of the illuminated ghats, is one of the most memorable experiences associated with the festival.

To promote tourism, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has also prepared a special four-day, three-night tourism package for Dev Deepawali. The package includes experiences such as Ganga Aarti, boat rides and visits to major religious sites.

Dev Deepawali in Kashi is not merely a religious festival; it is also a celebration of faith, tradition, culture and community participation. The festival on November 24 is expected to once again illuminate the ghats of the Ganga and connect people from across the world with the spiritual heritage of Kashi.

Note: The final number of diyas, the Ganga Mahotsav schedule and details of special Dev Deepawali events should be verified through official announcements from the district administration and the tourism department before publication.