Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Raj Kishor Kannoujea

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is one of the most famous festivals in the city and the arrivals coming on this day. This auspicious day falls on the 15th day of Diwali and attracts millions of visitors each year. 

Varanasi (Kashi) gets respect as one of the top spiritual cities in India, famous for its Ghats, Temples and Deep connection with the Maa Ganga. On Dev Deepawali, Banaras holds a special place as this occasion is usually called the ‘Festival of Lights of the Gods.’ It falls on the Kartik Purnima (full moon night). 

During this time, the entire city gets lit with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps) on the bank of the Ganga River. These moments call the entire city on the banks of the Maa Ganga, as well as tourists, to choose it as the best moment. On this day, Bharat Taxi is active 24×7 for the assistance of tourists with a pickup-drop cabs in the city. Also, you will get various Varanasi taxi packages for nearby places to explore with your family and friends.

1. Dev Deepawali: Festival of Lights of the Gods

The meaning of Dev Diwali is “the Diwali of the Gods.” According to the Hindu religion, on this day, the supreme Gods come to the earth to celebrate Diwali and take a holy dip in the river Ganga.

As the celebration of the Victory of Lord Shiva

This festival celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over the three sons of the demon Tarakasura—Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Kamalaksha. In the story, the brothers pray to Lord Brahma and get a boon of three magical forts—one of gold in heaven, one of silver on earth, and one of iron in the underworld. These forts – Tripura– could only be aligned once in a thousand years. And, destroyed by one arrow shot by a person free from anger. The boon made the demons strong, and the Gods became worried.

In the beginning, it was good, but after some time, three brothers began troubling the gods. Then, Lord Shiva planned to destroy the Tripura. He made a huge chariot using Earth as the body, Mount Meru as the bow, Vasuki (the serpent) as the string, and Vishnu as the bull to pull it. When the three forts came in one-line, Shiva shot a single arrow and destroyed Tripura. The Rudraksha tree grew from Shiva’s tears of compassion towards creatures killed there. This victory of Lord Shiva over evil is remembered as the divine reason behind Dev Deepawali.

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is not just about lights for the people here, it is about faith, devotion and peace on the banks of Maa Ganga. You will see the home, temple and ghat glow with Diyaas and pilgrims gather to offer prayers. People believe that lighting Diyaas brings blessings& prosperity.

2. When and Where to Celebrate Dev Deepawali

Usually, Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the 15th day after Diwali, on the full moon day of the Kartik month, according to the Hindu calendar. In Varanasi, the celebration mainly takes place on the Ghats of the river Ganga. The most popular Ghats on Dev Deepawali in Varanasi are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Chet Singh Ghat.

In the evening, all ghats become magical in terms of view. You can see the millions of Diyaas lit by volunteers, priests and locals on the banks of the River Ganga. The reflection of lights on the calm Ganga River creates a golden glow that feels heavenly. The entire Ghats of the Ganga River turn into a long river of light, and tourists from all over India, as well as worldwide, come to see this auspicious view of the Ganga. You can easily book a taxi service in Varanasi at affordable deals with Bharat Taxi, whether travelling alone or with family.

3. The Rituals and Celebrations

The day of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi begins early with devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganga (called – Kartik Snan). Getting a holy dip in the Ganga during this time brings good fortune and washes away your sins.

All day, temples perform special prayers specially on Dashashwamedh Ghat and do various rituals. In the evening, you will find a huge crowd on the Ghats with tourists, pilgrims and locals. The main rituals start after sunset. 

Firstly, you can see Ganga Aarti that is a grand ceremony with holy chants, bells, conch sounds and fire lamps. The main priests move the flaming lamps in a rhythm and the sound of Mantras fills the air. After Aarati, you can light Diyaas on the lower steps of Ganga Ghat, on boats and also on the river water.

4. Cultural Events and Activities

During this festival, you will also get various cultural celebrations. On various Ghats, you can see classical music and dance performances. For that, artists come from all over India and perform in front of thousands of attendees. 

You can do boat rides during the festival of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, and from the mid-Ganga see the view of the Ghats. From the middle of the river, you can see the breathtaking sight of Ghats that will be full of Diyaas and lights. During a local visit, it may be a great thing to do with your kids and family.

5. Why Choose Bharat Taxi for Your Trip to Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

Bharat Taxi has a large fleet of cabs from normal hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, Tempo Travellers to luxury cars. You can easily get affordable taxi services with 24×7 services. With Bharat Taxi, your Dev Deepawali experience becomes even more enjoyable. Get here:

  • You can get multiple cab options – Hatchback, Sedan, SUV, Tempo Traveller.
  • Get professional drivers who know the local routes very-well.
  • Book a taxi with 24×7 customer support for booking and assistance.
  • Hire clean and sanitized cabs for a safe ride.
  • You will get an affordable pricing with transparency in taxi fare.
  • Easy booking mode: online or phone booking.

Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or in a company group, Bharat Taxi offers a variety of ride options. You can book a local cab in Varanasi to explore the city or an outstation taxi to reach from nearby cities.