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Varanasi prepares for the magical Dev Diwali celebration today as thousands of earthen lamps will illuminate the Ganga ghats creating a breath-taking spectacle! Discover the spiritual significance of Kartik Purnima, best viewing spots along the riverfront, timing of Ganga aarti and more.
Dev Diwali 2025 in Varanasi
New Delhi: Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India is set to celebrate Dev Diwali 2025 today, November 5. Thousands of earthen lamps, or diyas, will line the ghats of the Ganga, creating a magical spectacle that attracts devotees, tourists, and photographers from across the globe.
Known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” Dev Diwali commemorates the victory of light over darkness and holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu culture.
Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month, fifteen days after the traditional Diwali festival. According to Hindu belief, on this day, Lord Shiva and other deities descend to the ghats of Varanasi to take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganga. Devotees light thousands of lamps along the riverbanks to welcome divine presence and seek blessings.
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The festival symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, with diyas representing the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Pilgrims also perform rituals and offer prayers to the river, considered the lifeline of Varanasi and a sacred entity in Hinduism.
This year, Dev Diwali falls on November 5, 2025. The grand celebrations begin in the evening with the Ganga Aarti, a vibrant ritual of fire, chants, and devotional music, performed at multiple ghats. The most popular ghats for witnessing the aarti include Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Manikarnika.
The aarti typically begins around 5:30 PM and continues till nightfall, with the reflections of thousands of floating diyas on the river creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly ambiance. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a vantage point, as the ghats are crowded with devotees and tourists alike.
Some of the best ghats to witness the spectacle include:
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Central for the evening aarti and the most visually stunning lamp arrangements.
Assi Ghat: Ideal for experiencing local rituals and quieter festivities.
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Manikarnika Ghat: Offers a more traditional and spiritual perspective of the celebrations.
A boat ride on the Ganga is highly recommended, as it provides a panoramic view of the entire festival from the river, with the glowing ghats on both sides.
Dev Diwali 2025 promises to be a breathtaking spectacle of faith, devotion, and lights, offering a rare chance to witness one of India’s most sacred festivals in all its glory. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual blessings or a traveler chasing unforgettable experiences, the glowing ghats of Varanasi today are not to be missed.
