Dev Deepawali (November 24, 2026): Varanasi Ganga Aarti Timings, Deep Daan Muhurat, Ganga Snan and Religious Significance

Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali or the Diwali of the Gods, is one of the most sacred festivals observed in Hinduism. Celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the festival marks the divine celebration of Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. In 2026, Dev Diwali will be observed on Tuesday, November 24, with Varanasi witnessing its famous tradition of lighting thousands of diyas along the ghats of the River Ganga.

Devotees celebrate this auspicious occasion by taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, lighting earthen lamps, performing puja, offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga, and participating in Ganga Aarti. The festival is especially significant in Varanasi, where the ghats glow with countless lamps, creating a spectacular spiritual atmosphere.

Here is everything you need to know about Dev Diwali 2026, including its date, auspicious timings, puja rituals and religious significance.


Also Read: November 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Diwali, Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali and Other Important Dates

Dev Diwali 2026: Date and Shubh Muhurat

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival is observed fifteen days after the main Diwali celebration and coincides with Kartik Purnima. According to the Hindu Panchang, the important timings for Dev Diwali 2026 are:

Event	Date and Time
Dev Diwali	Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Purnima Tithi Begins	November 23, 11:42 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends	November 24, 8:23 PM
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat (Varanasi)	5:08 PM – 7:47 PM
Duration	2 hours 39 minutes

Note: The Pradosh Kaal timings are for Varanasi. Auspicious timings may vary slightly depending on the city and local Panchang.

Devotees traditionally perform Deep Daan during the evening Pradosh Kaal. Lighting earthen lamps during this period is considered especially auspicious as it symbolises the removal of darkness and the arrival of divine blessings.

Also Read: November 2026 Kartik Purnima and Kartik Amavasya Dates: Tithi Timings, Rituals and Significance

Why Is Dev Diwali Celebrated? Know Its Religious Significance

Dev Diwali holds special importance in Hindu mythology. According to religious beliefs, the festival commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, who had created three powerful cities known as Tripura.

The three cities became a source of destruction and fear for the gods and the universe. After the gods sought his help, Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities with a single arrow, restoring peace and righteousness. This victory earned him the name Tripurari, meaning the destroyer of Tripura. The gods are believed to have celebrated this victory by lighting thousands of lamps in honour of Lord Shiva. This is why Kartik Purnima is also known as Tripurari Purnima or Tripurotsav.

Another popular Hindu belief states that the gods descend to Earth on Kartik Purnima to take a holy dip in the River Ganga. Dev Diwali is therefore celebrated as the divine festival of lights, when devotees welcome the gods with lamps, prayers and devotional offerings.

Also Read: Dev Diwali 2026: Why Is It Called the Diwali of Gods? Know the Mythological Story Of Lord Shiva's Victory Over Tripurasura

Dev Diwali 2026 Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Rituals

Devotees observe Dev Diwali with prayers, holy bathing, charity and Deep Daan. Although traditions differ across regions and families, the following rituals are commonly followed.

1. Wake up early and take a holy bath: Devotees wake up during the early morning hours and take a bath, preferably in a sacred river such as the Ganga. Those who cannot visit a river can take a bath at home and offer prayers with devotion.

2. Clean the puja area: Clean the home and the place of worship. Decorate the entrance and puja space with flowers, rangoli and traditional decorations.

3. Worship Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu: Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, water and prayers to the deities. Devotees particularly worship Lord Shiva in remembrance of his victory over Tripurasura. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

4. Perform Deep Daan: Lighting earthen lamps is one of the most important rituals of Dev Diwali. Devotees light diyas using ghee or oil and place them in temples, near Tulsi plants, at entrances, balconies and riverbanks. In Varanasi, thousands of lamps illuminate the ghats along the Ganga.

5. Perform Ganga Aarti: Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Ganga and participate in the evening Ganga Aarti. The ritual involves devotional songs, bells, incense and lamps as an expression of gratitude and reverence.

6. Donate food and essentials: Charity is considered particularly auspicious on Kartik Purnima. Devotees donate food, clothes, grains and other essentials to people in need. Feeding the poor and helping the underprivileged are also important ways of observing the festival.

7. Offer prayers and seek blessings: Conclude the puja with an Aarti and prayers for peace, prosperity, good health and happiness. Families may also recite religious texts and devotional hymns.

Dev Diwali in Varanasi: Why the Ghats Become a Spectacle of Lights

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is the most famous destination for Dev Diwali celebrations. Every year, the ancient city transforms into a spectacular landscape of lights as thousands of devotees, residents and tourists gather along the banks of the River Ganga.

On this occasion, the ghats are decorated with countless earthen lamps, creating a beautiful reflection of lights on the river. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Panchganga Ghat and other prominent riverfront locations become centres of religious celebrations.

The grand Ganga Aarti is one of the major attractions of the festival. Priests perform elaborate rituals with large lamps, accompanied by devotional chants, conch shells and bells. Cultural programmes, traditional music and religious ceremonies further add to the celebrations. The festival is also associated with Ganga Mahotsav, a cultural celebration that showcases India's traditional music, dance, art and heritage.

Difference Between Diwali and Dev Diwali

Although both festivals celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, Diwali and Dev Diwali have different religious associations and are observed on different dates.

Diwali	Dev Diwali
Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya	Celebrated on Kartik Purnima
Marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and is associated with Goddess Lakshmi	Commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura
Celebrated across India with Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja	Especially famous for celebrations in Varanasi
Observed with lamps, fireworks and prayers	Observed with Deep Daan, Ganga Aarti and holy bathing
Falls on the new moon night	Falls on the full moon day

Dev Diwali is celebrated approximately fifteen days after the main Diwali festival and is popularly known as the Diwali of the Gods.

Also Read: Diwali 2026 Date: When Is Diwali? Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj - Check Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar