Dev Diwali is one of the busiest evenings in Varanasi. With thousands of visitors arriving at the ghats, a little planning can make the experience much more comfortable.
Reach the Ghats Early
Try to reach the Ganga ghats by 3-4 PM. The crowd increases quickly as the evening approaches and reaching the riverfront later can become difficult.
Experience Dev Diwali from a Boat
One of the most beautiful ways to experience the celebration is from the Ganga. Take a boat towards Dashashwamedh Ghat and witness the Ganga Maha Aarti from the river. After the Aarti, stay on the boat to enjoy the spectacular fireworks lighting up the Varanasi sky and the thousands of diyas glowing along the ghats.
Dress Comfortably
Choose decent and comfortable clothes as you may spend several hours around the ghats and in a large crowd. Women may prefer to keep their hair tied, especially because of the heavy crowd and movement around the riverfront.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Keep your mobile phone fully charged before leaving your hotel. You will likely use it for photos, communication and navigation and finding a charging point in the middle of the crowd may not be easy.
Book Your Hotel & Boat in Advance
Do not wait until the last few days to arrange Your Stay or boat. Hotels and good boat spots can get booked well in advance for Dev Diwali. If you already know your travel dates, making these arrangements early can make the evening much easier.
1 Night Dev Diwali Tour
- Evening Boat Ride on the Ganga
- Ganga Maha Aarti
- Dev Diwali Firework Show
- Night Stay in Varanasi
2 Night Dev Diwali tour
- Varanasi & Sarnath Tour
- Ganga Maha Aarti
- Dev Diwali Firework Show
- 2 Nights Stay in Varanasi
Avoid Taking Your Car to the Ghats
Traffic and crowd restrictions can make travelling by car difficult on Dev Diwali. Several roads around the main riverfront may have restrictions or diversions. It is better to leave your vehicle at a suitable location and walk towards the ghats, rather than trying to drive right up to them.
Keep Your Hands Free
Avoid carrying a large bag or wearing a heavy backpack when heading towards the ghats. Walking through a dense crowd is much easier with your hands free. Also keep a close watch on your mobile phone, purse, wallet and other valuables, especially in crowded areas.
Most importantly
Leave early, keep your plans simple and give yourself enough time. Dev Diwali is best enjoyed when you are not rushing through the crowd and can simply stop for a moment, look across the Ganga and take in the lights of Kashi.