Dev Diwali Dev Diwali is a significant spiritual festival celebrated primarily in Varanasi (Kashi), where the festival is dedicated to Hindu Gods. Observed on the Kartik Purnima (full moon night in the Hindu calendar), people celebrate this festival by lighting diyas (oil lamps) on the bank side of the river (ghats), temples, and homes. The festival turns the riverfront side of Varanasi into a luminous sea where lakhs of lamps sparkle together. In this blog, we will cover the significance of Dev Diwali by highlighting the various aspects of the festival and its traditions.

Before we dive deeper and understand the different aspects of the Indian festival of Dev Diwali in Varanasi, first cover the Dev Diwali 2025 date.

When is Dev Diwali in 2025

As the festival approaches, people are searching-Dev Diwali kab hain. The following contains the Dev Diwali 2025 date:
  • In 2025, Dev Diwali is going to be celebrated on the 5th of November 2025.
  • Every year Dev Diwali is celebrated from the 15th day of Diwali

Dev Diwali Muhurat

  • The muhurat (auspicious time) for the Dev Diwali is from 5:15 pm to 7:50 pm.
  • Time frame: 2 hours 35 minutes.

What Is Dev Diwali (Dev Deepawali)



Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is the “festival of gods” celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima (full moon of Kartika month) when, according to tradition, gods descend (come) to the banks of the river Ganga in Varanasi and take bath.

On the auspicious day of Dev Diwali, the bank side of the Ganga appears glowing with lakhs of diyas. People worship the holy water of the river Ganga (Ganga is revered as a deity in Hinduism), offering prayers, organizing massive aartis, and lighting lamps along ghats, homes, and temples. They also take the holy deep. People also visit the temple for prayers. The massive crowd emerges in the city (including foreigners) of Varanasi, celebrating the festival on the ghats of the Ganga and participates in the gathering of devotees. Cultural presentation, folk performances and artistic displays are also held.

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Why Dev Diwali Is Celebrated

Dev Diwali is celebrated to honor deep spiritual and mythological beliefs that hold a special place in Hindu tradition. According to ancient scriptures, it is said that on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva destroyed the powerful demon Tripurasura, who had been causing chaos across the three worlds. To celebrate this divine victory, the gods illuminated the heavens and lit countless lamps along the river ghats — a tradition that devotees continue to follow even today.

It is also believed that on this sacred night, the deities themselves descend to Earth and take a holy dip in the river Ganga to purify and bless the devotees. Lighting diyas on this occasion symbolizes the eternal triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, reminding people that divine light always guides humanity through life’s struggles.

The festival beautifully expresses the bond between devotees and the divine. Worshippers honor Goddess Ganga, who is believed to wash away sins and grant spiritual liberation. By offering prayers, lighting lamps, and participating in rituals, devotees seek her blessings for purity, peace, and prosperity.

On this special day, people take holy deep (bath) in the river which is also called as the Kratika snan. Countless people participates in the holy deep in the river Ganga that is believed to cleanse the sins and bring spiritual merit (Punya).

What Is the Significance of Dev Diwali

The significance of Dev Diwali goes beyond just lighting lamps — it is about celebrating a divine connection between heaven and Earth. As millions of diyas illuminate the ghats of Varanasi, the entire riverfront appears as if stars have descended upon the waters. It is believed that on this night, the spiritual energy in Kashi (Varanasi) reaches its highest level, making it a time when the divine presence feels closest to humankind.

Dev Diwali also honors the sacred Ganga River, seen not just as a river but as a living goddess who nurtures and redeems. The ritual of Deepdan — offering lamps to the river — signifies gratitude and reverence for this divine source of life. Early in the morning, devotees perform the Kartik Snan (holy bath), which is said to cleanse one’s sins and bestow spiritual merit.

Beyond its religious depth, Dev Diwali is also a grand cultural celebration. The ghats come alive with Ganga Aartis, devotional music, dance, and traditional performances that reflect the vibrant soul of Varanasi. Together, these rituals and festivities make Dev Diwali not just a festival of light, but a festival of faith, devotion, and divine connection.

How to Celebrate Dev Diwali

You can celebrate Dev Diwali in Varanasi or, if you are at a distance, do some rituals at home.

Dev Diwali Celebration in Varanasi: How to Celebrate Dev Diwali in Varanasi

  • Reach the ghat early, ideally before evening.
  • Participate in the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh and other ghats.
  • Light diyas along the riverbank, on the steps of ghats, and in boats.
  • Offer prayers to Ganga, chant mantras or bhajans.
  • Join processions or cultural performances held near ghats.
  • Take a boat ride on the Ganga to see the lit ghats reflected in the water—many find this an unforgettable part of the experience.

How to Celebrate Dev Diwali at Home

  • Clean your home and decorate the entrance with rangoli.
  • At Pradosh muhurat (5:15 pm to 7:50 pm this year), light diyas or oil lamps in your home or balcony.
  • Offer prayers to the river (if possible) or a symbolic water container, acknowledging Ganga’s divinity.
  • Recite or chant simple mantras or hymns dedicated to Ganga or the gods you worship.
  • Share light with neighbors or family—distribute small diyas if possible.

Dev Diwali Puja Vidhi

  • Begin with Kartik Snan (holy bath in Ganga) early morning if you are in Varanasi.
  • In the evening, at Pradosh muhurat (5:15 pm to 7:50 pm in 2025), light lamps and perform Deepdan (offering diyas to Ganga). 
  • Perform Ganga Aarti, offering incense, flowers, lamp, and chanting.
  • Decorate ghats or your home surroundings with diyas.
  • Offer food and flowers, meditate, sing devotional songs or bhajans.
  • You may also do Arghya (offering water) to the river before lighting diyas.

Dev Diwali Story

The legend behind Dev Diwali revolves around the battle of the gods with Tripurasura, a trio of powerful demons. On Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva destroyed those demons, marking the triumph of righteousness. To celebrate the victory, gods descended to Earth and bathed in the Ganga, and lit up the ghats with countless lamps.

Another aspect: It is believed that after this day, the gods return to their heavenly homes, marking a special connection between the divine world and humans.

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Summary

Dev Diwali 2025, celebrated on 5 November, 2025, is the celestial celebration when gods are believed to descend and bathe in the Ganga. The ghats of Varanasi glow as millions of lamps are lit, while worship is offered to Ganga as a deity. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, especially tied to the legend of Shiva’s triumph over Tripurasura.

Whether done at ghats or at home, the rituals of bath, deepdan, aarti and devotion bring spiritual uplift. On this day, the riverbank shines, prayers rise, and hearts connect with divine grace.