There’s nowhere in the world that celebrates Diwali quite like Varanasi. As the sun sets over the Ganges and the first diyas begin to glow, the city takes on a different kind of energy — loud, joyful, chaotic, and deeply moving all at once.
For locals and visitors alike, Diwali here is about more than just lights and fireworks. It’s about tradition. It’s about showing up for your community, honouring your roots, and taking part in rituals that have been carried out for generations.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Diwali in Varanasi has a way of staying with you long after the festival ends. From timeless rituals to sensory moments you’ll never forget, here’s how to make the most of Diwali in the City of Light.
Share the Spirit Before You Arrive
Diwali is a time to connect with the people who matter most – whether they’re by your side or back home. Before you witness the glow of a million diyas or the magic of the Ganga Aarti, consider designing your own Diwali invitations to set the tone for the celebrations ahead.
A personalised card or invite isn’t just a way to mark the occasion – it’s a way to carry forward the light, warmth, and spirit of the festival. Whether you’re inviting friends to celebrate with you or simply sending love and wishes from afar, a thoughtfully designed Diwali card makes the moment more meaningful.
Witness the Dev Deepawali at the Ghats
People travel to Varanasi over Diwali to witness earthen lamps, or diyas, lit on the ghats of the Ganges. On Dev Deepawali, the grandest night of festival season in Varanasi, over a million diyas are lit across 80 ghats. The Ganges is set aglow with vivid colours, as are local buildings and homes. Tourists often take boat rides along the river to see the entire city bathed in breathtaking light.
Locals believe that the more diyas you light, the more prosperous you will become, so guests are welcome to participate with respect. Many handmade diyas are for sale in the area, and guests are encouraged to support these local vendors during their visit. Photographs are permitted, but please ask before taking pictures of local people.
Attend the Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti is a daily spiritual ritual held along the banks of the Ganges River – a beautiful experience that becomes even richer around Diwali. In Varanasi, you can find the Ganga Aarti performed every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat for large crowds, but smaller ghats are home to more intimate aartis conducted in the morning. Guests can take part in the sacred ritual of Ganga Poojan before the Ganga Aarti, seeking blessings from the holy river.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 45 minutes before the Ganga Aarti begins to secure their spot. The Dashashwamedh Ghat offers a chance to feel immersed in the ceremony, while boat platforms offer a more peaceful vantage point. Remember that this spectacular tradition is a devotional ritual – sit quietly, observe respectfully, and soak in the atmosphere.
Stroll Through the Vibrant Markets
Godowlia Market, Thatheri Bazar, and Vishwanth Gali are bustling shopping areas in Varanasi where visitors can find stalls overflowing with a wide range of unique wares. Here, guests will discover handmade toys, brocade fabrics and saris, lucky symbols for good fortune, images of gods and goddesses, and more – everything from souvenirs to essential items.
Attempts to bargain are common and expected by vendors, but should be done respectfully. Morning shopping will be a more tranquil experience for guests, while evenings are full of life and excitement. Please note that many of these markets are on narrow lanes, best explored on foot, and may be difficult to access for wheelchair users or people with strollers.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most renowned Hindu temples in India. During Diwali, the temple is adorned with vibrant floral garlands, diyas, and intricate rangoli designs. Long lines of devotees participating in pujas and aartis create a spiritually charged and reverent atmosphere. In the evening, spectacular fireworks can light up the evening sky in an unforgettable display.
Daily visiting hours are from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Guests are required to wear modest and respectful attire when visiting the temple. Shoes should be left at the entrance, and phones must be switched to silent mode. Please note that at least 45,000 pilgrims visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple each day – following crowd control guidelines is absolutely essential.
Taste the Festive Flavours
A visit to the beautiful ancient city of Varanasi must include a taste of all the city’s festive flavours! Malaiyo, also known as Makhan Malai, is considered a winter delicacy of Varanasi. It is a light and airy milk foam typically made with cream, sugar, cardamom, and saffron strands and topped with nuts or dried fruit. Another must-try item is Banarasi Paan, a remarkable tasting paan made of Betel leaves stuffed with catechu, pickling lime, areca nut, plain tobacco, and more. Other iconic foods include samosa-kachori, tamatar chaat, jalebi, and rabri.
Varanasi is a food lover’s paradise, and guests will find something delicious from nearly any shop or street vendor in the city. For visitors seeking a delightful culinary experience, Varanasi’s food stalls, sweet shops, and traditional eateries offer an unforgettable tapestry of flavours – especially during Diwali.
Let Varanasi Show You the Way
For those making the pilgrimage to Varanasi for Diwali, there is an endless array of experiences. As India’s spiritual heart, Varanasi is the place to be during Diwali, and these are the top things to do while there:
- Witness the colourful glow of the city by the light of millions of diyas as they float down the Ganges River.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat or seek blessings from the holy river by taking part in the sacred ritual of Ganga Poojan.
- Stroll through the vibrant marketplaces shopping for unique souvenirs, fabrics, or religious items.
- Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple alongside thousands of other pilgrims, immersing yourself in the spiritually charged atmosphere.
- Taste the city’s festive flavours and enjoy foods like malaiyo, Banarasi Paan, or tamatar chaat.
