Itinerary for Dev Deepawali 2025: 3-Day Plan to Experience Varanasi’s Grandest Festival

Introduction

Varanasi — the city of light and liberation — transforms into a celestial spectacle on Dev Deepawali, celebrated this year on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It’s the day when gods themselves are believed to descend to the Ganges to celebrate Diwali, marking the victory of Lord Shiva over demon Tripurasura.

Every ghat along the river glows with thousands of diyas, chants fill the air, and fireworks reflect on the water. The scale and emotion of Dev Deepawali can’t be described — only experienced. This guide gives you the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Dev Deepawali 2025, covering everything from where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of every moment.

Before You Go: Essential Planning for Dev Deepawali 2025

Before diving into your 3-day itinerary for Dev Deepawali, you need to plan your trip with precision. Varanasi turns into one of the busiest pilgrimage spots during this period — hotel rooms sell out, ghats get crowded, and transport becomes unpredictable. Smart pre-planning ensures you experience the festival instead of just surviving it.

When is Dev Deepawali in 2025?

In 2025, Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, which coincides with Kartik Purnima — the full moon night of the Hindu month Kartik.

The main rituals begin just after sunset when thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) are lit across all 84 ghats of Varanasi. The entire stretch of the Ganges glows with divine light, symbolizing the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura.

If you want the full experience, arrive in Varanasi by 4 November and depart after 6 November to avoid missing the pre- and post-festival energy.

How Many Days Are Enough?

A 3-day itinerary is ideal for Dev Deepawali 2025.
Here’s the logic:

• Day 1 (4 Nov): Arrive, settle in, and explore the old city.
• Day 2 (5 Nov): Witness Dev Deepawali evening — the main event.
• Day 3 (6 Nov): Experience Varanasi’s spiritual side and local life before leaving.

You can extend the trip by a day to visit Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, or even Ayodhya, which is around 4 hours away.

If you want to Visit Ayodhya you can Also Check: Best Hotels in Ayodhya Near Ram Mandir (2025): Ultimate Guide for Families, Couples & Pilgrims

How to Reach Varanasi

Getting to Varanasi is easy, but timing is everything. During Dev Deepawali week, the city faces massive inflows of tourists and devotees, so book transport at least 6–8 weeks early.

• By Air: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is around 25 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Daily flights connect from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
• By Train: Major railway stations — Varanasi Junction and Banaras (Manduwadih) — link the city with all major metros.
• By Road: NH-19 and NH-31 make it well connected to Prayagraj (130 km) and Lucknow (320 km). If driving, start early to beat festival traffic.

Important Tip: Avoid reaching on the evening of 5 November, as many roads leading to the ghats are sealed or heavily restricted that night.

Where to Stay During Dev Deepawali

Accommodation defines your comfort during this chaotic yet beautiful festival. Choose location wisely based on your priorities:

• Near Dashashwamedh Ghat: Best for front-row views of the Aarti and illumination.
• Luxury: BrijRama Palace, Guleria Kothi
• Mid-range: Hotel Alka, Ganga View
• Assi Ghat: More relaxed and less congested, ideal for couples and families.
  • Hotels: Hotel Temple on Ganges, Aum Café Guesthouse
• Cantonment Area: Perfect for those who prefer modern hotels with good road access.
  • Hotels: Radisson Hotel Varanasi, The Clarks

Want a full Detailed Hotel Guide Then Check: Dev Deepawali in Varanasi 2025 – Dates, Ghats View & Best Hotels for Festival

What to Pack for Dev Deepawali

Pack light but smart. Remember, you’ll walk long distances through narrow lanes and crowded ghats.

• Clothing: Light cotton wear for day, a light jacket for evening. Dress modestly — temples have strict decorum.
• Footwear: Comfortable sandals or sneakers (avoid heels or flip-flops).
• Essentials: Power bank, small flashlight, reusable water bottle, and wet wipes.
• Safety Gear: Anti-theft waist pouch for valuables.
• Extras: A small packet of diyas — lighting one yourself at the ghat is a must-do experience.

Your 3-Day Itinerary for Dev Deepawali 2025

This 3-day itinerary is designed so you don’t just see Dev Deepawali — you feel it. You’ll experience the build-up, the divine night itself, and the serene morning that follows.

Day 1 – Tuesday, 4 November 2025: Arrival & Exploring the Soul of Varanasi

Morning:
Arrive in Varanasi early to settle in before the crowds surge. Check into your hotel near the ghats — ideally between Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat — and take a few hours to rest after your journey.

Afternoon:
Start your exploration with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s most sacred Shiva temples. Keep your phone and bags in lockers outside — security is strict. Afterward, grab lunch at Baati Chokha Restaurant for a classic Banarasi thali.

Evening:

• Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat around 5:30 PM to witness the daily Ganga Aarti — the perfect introduction to Varanasi’s rhythm before Dev Deepawali.
• Walk through Vishwanath Gali, packed with brass lamps, silk fabrics, and sweet shops.
• End with dinner at Brown Bread Bakery or Shree Annapurna Restaurant, both within walking distance of Godowlia.

Pro Tip: Keep this evening light — tomorrow is the main event. Sleep early or spend some quiet time watching the Ganga flow from your hotel rooftop.

Also Check: Best Hotels near Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Closest Stays for Pilgrims 2025

Day 2 – Wednesday, 5 November 2025: The Grand Night of Dev Deepawali

This is the reason you came — when the gods themselves light the riverbanks.

Pre-Dawn (5:30 AM):
Start your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Watch the city awaken — priests performing rituals, pilgrims taking holy dips, and the first rays of sunlight hitting the temples. The peaceful contrast to the night ahead is striking.

Morning (8:00 AM):
Return for breakfast at your hotel or try Open Hand Café near Assi Ghat. Visit Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Kund Mandir — both quieter in the morning.

Afternoon (1:00–3:00 PM):
Rest. Roads will close later, and crowds will multiply. Eat an early lunch, charge your camera, and pack only essentials — wallet, ID, water bottle, and phone.

Evening: The Dev Deepawali Spectacle
From 4:00 PM onward, reach your chosen ghat. Late arrivals will be stuck far from the riverfront.

Best Ghats for Viewing:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Most famous, but extremely crowded.
• Assi Ghat: Ideal balance between space and atmosphere.
• Rajendra Prasad Ghat: Excellent for photography.

At sunset, priests begin chanting mantras, bells echo through the air, and every step, wall, and stair glows with diyas. The reflection of thousands of flickering flames on the Ganges creates a scene that feels almost unreal.

From a Boat (Highly Recommended):
For the ultimate view, pre-book a private or group boat ride between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

• Cost: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per seat depending on boat type and proximity to main ghats.
• Bring a camera tripod or smartphone gimbal for long-exposure shots.

After the Aarti (8:30 PM):
Once the main ceremony ends, fireworks fill the sky and the water sparkles with thousands of floating lamps. Don’t rush — wait for the crowds to thin, then walk back slowly.

Dinner Options:
Avoid the congested lanes near Dashashwamedh. Go for:

• Varuna Restaurant (Gateway Hotel) – North Indian buffet.
• Ganpati Guest House Rooftop Café – stunning post-Aarti views.

Day 3 – Thursday, 6 November 2025: Heritage, Food, and Farewell

Morning (8:00 AM):
Start slow — Dev Deepawali nights run late. Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum at Banaras Hindu University for a deep dive into the city’s history and art. Alternatively, take a walking tour from Assi Ghat to Chet Singh Fort to see Varanasi’s quieter side.

Late Morning:
Shop for souvenirs — Banarasi silk sarees, brass lamps, and wooden toys. Visit Thatheri Bazaar and Godowlia Market for authentic buys.

Afternoon (1:00–4:00 PM):
Take a short ride to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Archaeological Museum.

Evening:
End your trip with a true Banarasi food trail:

• Blue Lassi Shop for iconic lassi.
• Kachori-Sabzi at Vishwanath Gali.
• Banarasi paan to wrap it up — symbolic of the city’s sweet farewell.

Departure:
Check out, head to the airport or station, and carry the glow of Dev Deepawali in your memories — a scene that stays long after the diyas fade.

Dev Deepawali Insider Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive a Day Early: Reach Varanasi by Nov 4 to avoid traffic and get good vantage points at the ghats.
• Book a Boat in Advance: Online or through your hotel — best views are from the river between Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
• Avoid Bringing Vehicles to Ghats: Roads close early; walk or use e-rickshaws.
• Carry Cash: Digital payments often lag due to network congestion.
• Stay Alert in Crowds: Keep valuables minimal; stick to main ghats for safety.
• Photography Tip: Arrive before sunset — the light before the diyas are lit gives stunning contrast shots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Dev Deepawali 2025 in Varanasi is more than a festival — it’s a living spectacle of faith, light, and devotion. On the sacred evening of 5 November 2025, the ghats of the Ganga come alive with millions of diyas, illuminating the riverbanks in a golden glow that feels almost celestial. The air vibrates with chants, bells, and the rhythm of the Ganga Aarti, creating an experience that blends spirituality, culture, and beauty in perfect harmony.

If you’re seeking a journey that captures the soul of India, witnessing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is a must. From the boat rides offering panoramic views of the illuminated ghats to the spiritual aura of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, every moment will leave you spellbound.

Author Box

Shweta Garg | Travel Writer & Hotel Researcher | BestHotelsIn.in

I specialize in handpicking hotels that deliver real experiences. My research includes site visits, personal stays, guest review analysis, and direct hotel communication to help you travel smarter.

I would love to hear feedbacks regarding your stay in any of the above hotels  and any recommendations for the hotels in Varanasi. Just comment down and i will research and add that to list. And if you love to read more about other location’s recommendations  , just browse our website besthotelsin

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