On November 5 2025, exactly 15 days after the rest of India celebrated Diwali, Varanasi will reveberate with devotion and get lit up with a million diyas
as it celebrates Dev Deepawali, the Festival of Lights of the Gods. Falling on Kartik Poornima, the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, Dev Deepawali is the 'Diwali' of the gods, believed to mark the descent of gods to the Ganga to bathe and celebrate Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. If you're headed to Varanasi to partake in this festival, there are dozens of ghats you can choose from. But here are our recommendations:
Top Ghats In Varanasi For Dev Deepawali
Dashashwamedh Ghat
As the epicenter of Dev Deepawali celebrations, Dashashwamedh Ghat hosts the grandest display of diyas in addition to the iconic Ganga Aarti that draws millions of devotees each year. The fact that it is centrally located, and has expansive steps that offer unparalleled views of the illuminated riverfront, make it the most sought-after spot for devotees and photographers alike.
Assi Ghat
Situated at the southernmost point of the ghats, Assi Ghat is still a popular pick but relatively less crowded as compared to Dashashwamedh, and also offers unfettered views of the illuminated Ganga.
Chet Singh Ghat
With an impressive fort-like structure that frames your view, Chet Singh Ghat is also a great ghat in Varanasi for travellers as it offers an elevated vantage point for a view of the festivities. This is exactly why it is often preferred by photographers.
Darbhanga Ghat
Another favourite among photographers, Darbhanga Ghat is among the most architecturally impressive ghats in the city. It features an imposing palace hotel and was built in the early 1900s by the royal family of Bihar. You can also visit the Munshi Ghat (located nearby) which was constructed in 1912 by Sridhara Narayana Munshi, finance minister of Darbhanga.
Panchganga Ghat
Panchganga Ghat holds deep spiritual significance, with legends associating it with saints like Tulsidas and Kabir. During Dev Deepawali, the ghat's environment and historical importance make it a meaningful location for experiencing the festival's deeper spiritual dimensions.
Man Mandir Ghat
The Man Mandir Ghat, also known as Someshwar Ghat, was built in 1600, and is famous for being home to a palace, built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur, and a stone observatory, which was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II. On Dev Deepawali, you can climb to the stone balcony of the observatory for a bird's eye view of the festivities and the city at large.
Scindia Ghat
More famous for the Mahadev temple that tilts at a degree and remains partially submerged in Ganga, the Scindia Ghat is among the more beautiful and well-maintained ghats of Varanasi. According to Hindu legends, Agni, the God of Fire, is said to have been born here. The ghat takes its name from the Scindias, descendants of the Hindu Maratha dynasty who built it in 1830, and is also lit up with diyas come Dev Deepawali.
Experiencing Dev Deepawali From The Ganga
One of the most enchanting ways to witness the festival is by taking a boat ride along the Ganges. Boats typically operate from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering shared and private options. Regular boat rides cost between ₹500-800 per person for shared boats. Private charters can cost between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 for groups of 6-8 people. For a more luxurious experience, premium cruises are often available at ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person.
