Namastay × Ayodhya Darshan Yatrapresents

Ganga Utsav

Dev Deepawali · Varanasi · 24 November 2026

A spiritual party on the river, on the night the ghats light a million diyas.

From ₹7,999 per person · GST included · Limited seats

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About the night

The night the gods are said to come down to Kashi

Dev Deepawali is the Diwali of the gods. It falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the month of Kartik, fifteen days after Diwali. In 2026 that night is Tuesday, 24 November. By tradition the gods descend to Earth on this day to bathe in the Ganga, and Kashi welcomes them with light.

Every ghat from Ravidas Ghat in the south to Rajghat in the north is lit with more than a million earthen diyas. Devotees bathe in the Ganga in the morning, float diyas on the river in the evening, and the Ganga Aarti is performed on the steps with hymns, conches and drums. The lighting of the ghats began at Dashashwamedh Ghat in 1991 and has become one of Varanasi's biggest nights.

Reports in October 2026 say the state plans to light more than 11 lakh diyas across the ghats and kunds this year, with laser shows and green fireworks.

Why do it from the river? On the steps you see the lights above you. From a boat you see all of them at once: the whole curve of the ghats alight, the aarti from the water, and a million diyas doubled in the Ganga.

Sources: Wikipedia, Dev Deepavali (Varanasi); Curly Tales, 7 October 2026.

Choose how to come

Three ways to be on the river

Ganga Utsav Pass

₹7,999per person · GST included

A place on the bajra with everything above included.

  • Boarding at Adi Keshav Ghat, 3:00 PM
  • Deep daan, aarti, fireworks, VR aarti
  • Chaat, chai, toast, paan, souvenir
  • E-pass with your seat number
Reserve seats

Utsav Weekend

₹27,999for two guests

Arrive a day early and stay close to the ghats.

  • 1 room for 2 nights, 23 and 24 Nov, at a hotel about 2 km from Adi Keshav Ghat
  • 2 seats on the Ganga Utsav bajra
  • Hotel pickup and return on the evening
Reserve a pair

Groups and whole boat

On request

For families, friends, corporate teams, travel groups and tour operators.

  • Seat blocks for 10 or more
  • A full bajra for your group
  • Trade rates for operators
Ask for a quote
Included in your pass

Everything for the evening

Tap any item for details.

Only on our bajra

The aarti you can't see from the river, seen live

Kashi Vishwanath's aarti happens inside the temple, far from the water. On our bajra you watch it live in VR, from the middle of the Ganga. Every guest gets a turn, and it is included in your pass.

  • The live Kashi Vishwanath Aarti, as it happens
  • Watched from the middle of the Ganga
  • A turn for every guest, no extra charge

An illustration of the view. In the headset on the bajra, you watch the live aarti itself.

Comfort and safety

Looked after, from the ghat to the last diya

Life jacketsA life jacket for every guest, worn whenever the crew asks
Trained boatmanAn experienced boatman on each bajra, with our team on board
Drinking waterDrinking water available on board throughout the evening
WashroomsAvailable at the boarding point, with fixed washroom breaks during the ride

Not included: travel to Adi Keshav Ghat, your stay in Varanasi (unless you choose the Utsav Weekend), and anything not listed above.

The evening

From the ghat steps to the middle of the river

Only the boarding time is fixed. The rest follows the light and the administration's schedule for the night.

  1. 3:00 PM

    Boarding at Adi Keshav Ghat

    Our team meets you at the ghat, checks your e-pass, and takes you to your seats with your group together.

  2. Afternoon

    Out along the ghats

    The bajra moves out onto the Ganga and along the ghats as the light softens and the first diyas are placed.

  3. Around sunset

    Deep daan

    Every guest floats a diya on the Ganga. As the sky darkens, the full moon of Kartik rises over the river.

  4. Dusk

    The ghats come alive

    The Banarasi chaat counter opens on board while the ghats fill with diyas.

  5. Evening

    Ganga Aarti, and the aarti in VR

    Watch the Ganga Aarti from the water. Then each guest takes a turn in the VR headset for the live Kashi Vishwanath Aarti.

  6. Night

    Fireworks over the Ganga

    Fireworks over the river, chai and toast, photographs by our photographer, a Banarasi paan, and a souvenir to take home.

  7. Later

    Return to the ghat

    We bring you back to the ghat after the Aarti and fireworks. Guests on the Utsav Weekend are driven back to their hotel.

Timings follow the administration's schedule for the night and may shift. We keep you informed on WhatsApp.

Your boat

A bajra, shared with the people you came with

A bajra is a large, traditional wooden boat that carries a whole group together. So the evening on the Ganga is something you share, not something split across many small boats. Seats are limited. Book together and we seat your family or friends side by side.

LimitedSeats, confirmed in order of booking
TogetherYour group sits side by side
1Team with you throughout

Illustrations of the evening on the bajra. Decoration and views on the day may vary slightly.

Getting there

Boarding at Adi Keshav Ghat

The ghat

Why we board here. On Dev Deepawali the roads around the central ghats are restricted and traffic is heavy. Adi Keshav Ghat, at the quieter northern end by the Varuna sangam, is reachable by car, so getting to your boat stays simple even when the main ghat roads are shut.

Adi Keshav Ghat, also known as Raj Ghat, sits where the Varuna river meets the Ganga, at the northern end of Varanasi's ghats. It is one of the ends of the stretch that is lit on Dev Deepawali, and the old Adi Keshav temple, dedicated to Vishnu, stands beside it.

  • Be there by 3:00 PM. Boarding starts at 3:00 PM.
  • We share a location pin and the easiest route with your confirmation.
  • Our team meets you at the ghat and takes you to your seats.

On the day

  • Plan extra time. Traffic around the ghats is heavy and restricted on Dev Deepawali, and vehicles may be stopped some distance away.
  • Coming from the airport or station? Leave early. Roads toward the ghats fill up well before evening.
  • Staying with us on the Utsav Weekend? We pick you up from the hotel, about 2 km from the ghat, and bring you back.
  • Keep your phone charged. We message boarding details on WhatsApp.
Malviya Bridge Ganga flows north Varuna river Sangam Assi GhatTulsi GhatHarishchandraManikarnikaDashashwamedhPanchgangaRaj GhatNamo GhatKashi Vishwanath Temple Adi Keshav GhatBoard here · 3:00 PM The lit ghatsRavidas to RajghatAbout 4 km by water from AdiKeshav to Dashashwamedh N 1 km Drawn from OpenStreetMap data, © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

Boarding point

Adi Keshav Ghat (Raj Ghat), at the Varuna and Ganga sangam, near the old Adi Keshav temple, Rajghat, Varanasi.

Open in Google Maps The Google Maps pin marks the Adi Keshav temple beside the ghat. Our team also sends an exact location on WhatsApp with your confirmation. Map drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
1,000+

Guests hosted across Kashi and Ayodhya

Ganga Utsav is hosted by Namastay and Ayodhya Darshan Yatra. We look after guests for a living, from families to larger groups. This evening runs the same way: one team with you from boarding to the last diya.

Reserve

Reserve your seats

Tell us how many are coming. Our team allots seats on the bajras and seats your group together. Your booking is confirmed when the advance arrives.

How would you like to come?
Guests
2
For 10 or more, ask for a group quote below.
  • Boarding at Adi Keshav Ghat, 3:00 PM
  • Deep daan, Ganga Aarti and fireworks from the boat
  • Your turn with the live Kashi Vishwanath Aarti in VR
  • Banarasi chaat, chai and toast, photographs, souvenir

Booking for a bigger group or a whole bajra?

Families, friends, corporate teams, travel groups and tour operators: tell us the group size and we send you a quote.

Ask for a quote
Make a weekend of it

The Utsav Weekend, day by day

The stay and the boat evening are part of the package. The ideas for your days are suggestions, not part of it.

Mon, 23 Nov

Arrive and settle

  • Check in at the hotel, about 2 km from Adi Keshav Ghat.
  • Evening: the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, held every evening.
  • Walk the lanes of Kashi, or visit Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
Tue, 24 Nov · Kartik Purnima

Dev Deepawali

  • Morning: the Kartik Purnima Ganga snan, the traditional holy bath.
  • Day at leisure. Rest before the evening.
  • Hotel pickup, then boarding at 3:00 PM.
  • Evening on the bajra. Return to the hotel.
Wed, 25 Nov

Slow morning

  • Banarasi breakfast: kachori-sabzi and hot jalebi. In winter, look for malaiyyo.
  • Visit Sarnath if you have time.
  • Check out.
Before you come

What to wear and carry

  • Comfortable footwear. The ghats have steps, and the evening involves boarding.
  • A light jacket or shawl. November days in Varanasi are mild, and the river air is cooler after sunset.
  • Festive but easy clothes. Dress as you would for a festival at the ghats.
  • Phone and power bank. You will want photographs, and we send details on WhatsApp.
  • Travel light. Leave big bags at the hotel.
  • Any medicines you need. Tell us in your request about children, elders or special needs, so we can seat you well.
How booking works

Four steps, all on WhatsApp

  1. Send your requestFill in the booking form above. It opens WhatsApp with your details ready.
  2. We confirmWe check availability and reply with UPI payment details.
  3. Pay the advance50% by UPI holds your seats. Send us the screenshot.
  4. Get your passBalance is due by 5 Nov. A day before, you receive your e-pass with seat number, location pin and boarding details.
Payment and cancellation

Clear terms, once

If you cancel

Up to 5 Nov 2026Refund of amount paid, less 10%
6 to 15 Nov 202650% of amount paid
After 15 Nov, or no-showNo refund

Good to know

  • Advance: 50% confirms your booking. The balance is due by 5 Nov 2026.
  • Transfer: pass your seat to someone else free of charge until 22 Nov. Send us their name.
  • If we cancel: if we cancel the event, or the administration stops boats before sailing, you receive a full refund.
  • Washrooms: available at the boarding point, with fixed washroom breaks during the ride.
  • Utsav Weekend: the same dates apply to the package.
Questions

Everything people ask

The event

What is Dev Deepawali?

The "Diwali of the gods", celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full-moon night about fifteen days after Diwali. The ghats of Varanasi are lit with a million diyas, devotees float lamps on the Ganga, and the Ganga Aarti is held on a grand scale.

What is Ganga Utsav?

Our Dev Deepawali evening on the Ganga, hosted by Namastay and Ayodhya Darshan Yatra: a seat on a bajra, deep daan, the Ganga Aarti and fireworks from the river, a live Kashi Vishwanath Aarti in VR, Banarasi chaat, chai and toast, photographs and a souvenir.

Why see it from a boat?

From a boat you see the whole curve of the ghats alight, the aarti from the water, and the reflections of the diyas on the river. It is the view the festival is known for.

Are fireworks guaranteed?

Fireworks over the Ganga are part of the night. Their timing and scale follow the administration's schedule, so we cannot promise a fixed time.

What is the VR aarti?

On board, every guest takes a turn with a VR headset to watch the live Kashi Vishwanath Aarti, from the middle of the Ganga.

Boarding and timing

When does the evening end?

We bring you back to the ghat after the Ganga Aarti and fireworks. There is no fixed clock time, because the night follows the administration's schedule. Plan to be free for the whole evening.

What is an e-pass?

A day before the event we send you an e-pass on WhatsApp with your seat number, a location pin and boarding details. Show it to our team at the ghat.

Where and when do we board?

At Adi Keshav Ghat, Varanasi, at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. We send a location pin and the easiest route with your confirmation.

When should we arrive?

Plan to reach the ghat before 3:00 PM. Traffic around the ghats is heavy and restricted on Dev Deepawali, so leave extra time for the last stretch.

Will the timings change?

Boarding is at 3:00 PM. The rest of the evening follows the light and the administration's schedule for the night, and may shift. We keep you informed on WhatsApp.

Seats and groups

Can I choose my seat?

Our team allots seats on the bajras when your booking is confirmed, and keeps your group together. If someone needs a particular spot, for example an elder, mention it in your request and we will do our best.

Can I book just one seat?

Yes. Book for one guest. For the Utsav Weekend you book in pairs.

Will my group sit together?

Yes. We seat everyone on one booking side by side.

Do you take large groups and tour operators?

Yes. Use the group quote button, or message us on WhatsApp with your group size, and we will send you a quote.

Can I bring children or elders?

Yes. Mention them in your request so we can seat you comfortably. Boarding involves steps at the ghat.

Price and payment

What does the price include?

Your seat on the bajra, deep daan, the Ganga Aarti from the boat, fireworks over the Ganga, your turn with the VR aarti, professional photography, a guide on board, the Banarasi chaat counter (golgappa, tikiya chaat, tamatar chaat, chura matar and gulab jamun), chai and toast, a Banarasi paan, a sparkler diya for every guest, a souvenir, and an e-pass with your seat number.

Is GST included in the price?

Yes. ₹7,999 per person is inclusive of GST.

What is not included?

Travel to Adi Keshav Ghat, your stay in Varanasi (unless you choose the Utsav Weekend), and anything not listed as included.

How do I pay?

After you send your request, we confirm availability and share UPI details. You pay 50% to hold your seats and the balance by 5 November.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel up to 5 November for a refund of the amount paid, less 10%. From 6 to 15 November, 50% is refunded. After 15 November there is no refund, but you can transfer your seat to someone else free of charge until 22 November.

Safety and comfort

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. Every guest gets a life jacket, and each bajra has a trained boatman. Please wear the jacket whenever the crew asks.

Is there drinking water and a washroom?

Yes. Drinking water is available on board. Washrooms are available at the boarding point, and there are fixed washroom breaks during the ride.

Is there live music?

There is no live performance on board. The Ganga Aarti and the fireworks are the main events of the night.

What if the weather or river conditions stop the boats?

If the event is cancelled, or the administration stops boats before we sail, you receive a full refund.

The Utsav Weekend

What is the Utsav Weekend?

A package for two guests: one hotel room for two nights (23 and 24 November) at a hotel about 2 km from the boarding point, two seats on the boat, and hotel pickup and return on the evening. Choose Utsav Weekend in the booking form and book in pairs.

Can I book more than one Utsav Weekend?

Yes. Add guests in pairs, and each pair gets its own room.

What to bring

What should I wear?

Comfortable footwear for the ghat steps, festive but easy clothes, and a light jacket or shawl, because the air on the river is cooler after sunset.

Can I take photographs?

Yes, and our professional photographer covers the evening too. Keep your phone charged.

₹7,999per person
Reserve