Dev Deepawali: the Night of Lamps

The full moon of Kartik, when the ghats are lit with countless oil lamps.

Duration: About 4 hours
Starts: Once a year, on the full moon of Kartik (usually November), evening
Group: Private: only you and the people you travel with
Language: English, Hindi or Japanese
Pickup: From your hotel

Highlights

The ghats lit with oil lamps from end to end
The festival explained: what is celebrated and why
A plan to move through the crowds safely
From the steps, or from a boat if you book early

What you will do

On Dev Deepawali the whole riverfront is lit with oil lamps and the city celebrates the gods coming down to bathe in the Ganga. It is one of the most beautiful nights of the year and one of the most crowded. Shiva plans where to be and when, so you see it without getting stuck.

How the time goes

Late afternoonPickup at your hotel
SunsetGhats as the lamps are lit
EveningCeremonies and the lit riverfront
NightBack to your hotel

Meeting point

Shiva picks you up at your hotel or guesthouse in Varanasi. Staying near the ghats, where cars cannot go? He meets you at the nearest landmark.

Good to know

Write weeks in advance: hotels and boats fill up and prices rise.
Crowds are very dense: keep valuables at the hotel.
The date follows the Hindu calendar and changes every year.

Best for

Travellers in Varanasi in November who want to see the city at its brightest.

Meals and tips

Meals are never included, unless the page says so. Shiva can suggest where to eat, and you pay at the stall or restaurant.

Tips are optional. If a tip is useful, Shiva tells you where, how, when and how much, and only then. Nothing else is extra: everything not listed above is included in the price.