Dev Deepawali
Kartik Purnima
The full-moon night of the month of Kartik — when, it is said, the gods descend to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges and light the lamps of Dev Deepawali.
Kartik Purnima falls on the fifteenth lunar day — the full moon (purnima) — of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in November. It is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar: a day of sacred bathing, lamp offerings and devotion all along the Ganges. In Varanasi, and uniquely in Varanasi, this night is celebrated as Dev Deepawali— literally the “Diwali of the Gods,” held roughly fifteen days after Diwali itself.
The Legend of Tripurasura
The festival remembers Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. Empowered by severe penance, the demon built three impregnable cities — in the sky, on earth and in the netherworld, together called Tripura — and tormented the gods and sages.
To restore balance, Shiva mounted a chariot driven by Brahma and destroyed all three with a single arrow, earning the name Tripurari. In gratitude and joy, the gods descended to the ghats of Kashi and lit rows of lamps — and so the night became Dev Deepawali.
A River of a Million Lamps
As dusk falls on Kartik Purnima, the people of Varanasi light over a million earthen diyas along all 84 ghats, from Assi Ghat to Rajghat. Great synchronised aartis are performed at Dashashwamedh, Rajendra Prasad and Assi ghats; conches sound, temple bells ring, and the steps, shrines and riverfront dissolve into a single unbroken constellation of light mirrored on the dark water. It is believed the gods themselves come down to bathe in the Ganga on this night.
The Rituals of the Day
- Ganga Snan — a sacred dawn dip in the Ganges, believed to cleanse and bless.
- Deep Daan — the offering of lit lamps to the river at dusk.
- Ganga Aarti — the grand ceremonial fire worship performed at the ghats.
- Akash Deep — sky lamps raised on tall bamboo poles for the ancestors and the gods.
- Sky Lanterns & Fireworks — the celebratory finale over the river.
Kartik Purnima is sacred across faiths and traditions — it is also observed as Tripurari Purnima, the birth of Lord Kartikeya, and Guru Nanak Jayanti — making it a rare night of shared devotion on the banks of the Ganges.
How Akashganga Celebrates It
Akashganga is built entirely around this one extraordinary night. Guests witness Dev Deepawali not from a crowded public ghat but from the river itself — aboard a private cruise that departs from Ramnagar Fort's own ghat, gliding past the illuminated riverfront before the evening closes with a release of sky lanterns and fireworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
Dev Deepawali 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November — Kartik Purnima, the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. It's celebrated roughly fifteen days after Diwali and is unique to Varanasi, where over a million earthen lamps are lit across all 84 ghats.
What is Akashganga?
Akashganga is a Dev Deepawali experience hosted at Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi, combining a guided fort and museum tour, artisan craft workshops, live classical music and Kathak, a 4-hour private cruise past all 84 illuminated ghats from the fort's own private ghat, and a Banarasi-themed dinner. It's held under the patronage of the royal family of Banaras.
How is Akashganga different from a regular Dev Diwali boat ride?
Most Dev Diwali boat rides are a 2-3 hour trip from a public, crowded ghat. Akashganga is a full-day experience starting at Ramnagar Fort — a genuine 18th-century royal residence — with private ghat boarding, a longer 4-hour cruise, live cultural performances, a heritage tour, and a themed dinner, all within one ticket.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Guests board from Ramnagar Fort's own private ghat on the eastern bank of the Ganges, opposite Varanasi's main ghats — away from the public crowds, with a clear, front-row view of all 84 illuminated ghats from the water.
How much does Akashganga cost?
The Royal Experience — festival access plus the private cruise — is published at ₹24,999 and is currently ₹16,999 per person, inclusive of GST. An optional Fine Dining upgrade at Ganga Mahal is also available for small groups. Seats are limited, so early booking is advised.
Is Ramnagar Fort easy to reach from Varanasi city?
Ramnagar Fort sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges, roughly 20-30 minutes from central Varanasi and the main ghats by road. Akashganga guests receive check-in and arrival details after booking.
What's included in the Akashganga ticket?
A guided tour of Ramnagar Fort and its museum, an artisan handicraft session, live cultural performances and hi-tea, the 4-hour private cruise with front-row Ganga Aarti viewing and fireworks, and a Banarasi-themed dinner back at the fort.
Is Akashganga suitable for families and older guests?
Yes — the fort tour, cruise, and dining areas are designed for comfort with seating throughout, and the private ghat and controlled boarding process are notably easier for families, older guests, and anyone who finds Varanasi's public ghats on Dev Deepawali too crowded. Boarding does require climbing stairs, so guests must be able to manage stairs independently or with someone accompanying them.
How do I book Akashganga 2026?
Book directly at theakashganga.co.in/book, or reach the team at reservations@theakashganga.co.in or +91-7985459865 / +91-8318357773. A deposit secures your seats, with the balance due in stages before the event.
Who hosts Akashganga at Ramnagar Fort?
Akashganga is hosted under the patronage of the royal family of Banaras, whose ancestral seat Ramnagar Fort has been for nearly three centuries. It's jointly run by Kashi Riders and Ghat Travels.
Witness Dev Deepawali with Akashganga
24th November 2026 · Kartik Purnima · Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi