The festival of a million lamps
Fifteen days after Diwali, on Kartik Purnima, Kashi celebrates Dev Deepawali — the entire ghat crescent is lined with earthen diyas, the river glows, and the evening Ganga aarti is amplified into a grand spectacle. It is the single most extraordinary night in Varanasi's year. Dates shift each year with the lunar calendar, so confirm before you plan. In 2026, Dev Deepawali falls on the night of Tuesday, 24 November.
Where to watch
The classic view is Dashashwamedh and the central ghats — about an 8-to-10-minute flat walk from our door opposite Gate No. 4. For the full sweep of illuminated steps, a boat on the Ganga is unbeatable; book it well ahead, as boats are scarce on the night. Rooftops near the corridor are rare and reserve months in advance.
Timing and crowds
Diyas are lit at dusk, so arrive well before sunset for a stair seat. Expect the lanes around Godowlia and the ghats to turn pedestrian-only with heavy diversions — vehicles are stranded far from the river. Staying within walking distance of the ghats is the difference between watching the diyas and sitting in gridlock.
How to plan it
This is our busiest window. Our Dev Deepawali rooftop package pairs a Premium Temple View room with a sunrise boat ride and airport pickup, and we help arrange boat seats and aarti timing. See how to reach us and the experiences we can add to your stay. If your dates are already gone, ask about the waitlist.