Dev Deepawali (Dev Diwali) 2026: Date, Pradoshakal Muhurat, Purnima Tithi, Ganga Aarti & Holy Dip
Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali or the “Diwali of the Gods”, is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. It commemorates the day when gods and goddesses are believed to descend to Earth, bathe in the sacred Ganga River and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. The festival is especially grand in Varanasi (Kashi), where the ghats of the Ganges are illuminated with millions of lamps (diyas) and the evening Ganga Aarti becomes a breathtaking ritual of devotion. Here is your complete guide to Dev Deepawali 2026, including precise Muhurat and ritual timings.
Dev Deepawali 2026 — Date & Key Timings
- Dev Deepawali Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 — observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar.
- Purnima (Full Moon) Tithi Begins: 11:42 PM on 23 November 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 08:23 PM on 24 November 2026
- Pradoshakal Dev Deepawali Muhurat: 05:08 PM to 07:47 PM — the auspicious twilight period ideal for lighting lamps (deepdan) and prayers.
Dev Deepawali is celebrated 15 days after Diwali, marking Kartik Purnima — a day of spiritual illumination, charity, and festive joy.
Spiritual Significance & Mythology
Dev Deepawali’s essence lies in its divine symbolism:
- It represents the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
- On this night, it is believed that all gods and goddesses descend to Earth to take a *holy dip (Kartik Snan) in the Ganges.
- Lighting oil lamps (deepdan) on the 84 ghats of Varanasi and along the riverbanks is believed to dispel ignorance and bring spiritual renewal.
In Hindu tradition, Kartik Purnima is one of the most auspicious days of the year — taking a holy dip in the Ganga is thought to purify the soul and wash away sins, granting devotees spiritual merit and blessings.
Ganga Aarti & Holy Dip Rituals
Ganga Aarti
- The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular evening ritual where priests perform synchronized offerings of lamps, incense, conch shells, and mantras.
- At ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and Panchganga Ghat, the aarti usually begins around early evening (approximately 6:30–7:30 PM).
- The rhythmic chants, ringing bells and thousands of diyas create a deeply moving spiritual atmosphere.
Holy Dip (Kartik Snan)
- Devotees of all ages take a sacred holy dip in the Ganga early in the morning and throughout the day, which is believed to cleanse sins and offer moksha (spiritual liberation).
- The riverbanks fill with pilgrims well before sunrise, making it one of the most devotional events of the festival.
Celebration Highlights in Varanasi
In Varanasi — the spiritual heart of the festival — Dev Deepawali is celebrated with unmatched grandeur:
- Millions of diyas and lamps illuminate the ghats, pathways and temple precincts, creating a mesmerising spectacle.
- Cultural programs, music, dance and laser shows accompany the devotional rituals, enhancing the festive ambiance.
- Many visitors choose to arrive a few days early to participate in the full spectrum of rituals leading up to Kartik Purnima.
Dev Deepawali is not just a festival of lights — it is a celebration of faith, renewal, cultural heritage, and the eternal connection between devotees and the divine.
Major Rituals: Holy Dip & Ganga Aarti
1. Kartik Snan (The Holy Dip)
Taking a dip in the holy Ganges on Kartik Purnima is believed to wash away sins and grant Moksha.
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Auspicious Timing: The Brahma Muhurat (approx. 04:30 AM to 05:30 AM) on November 24 is the most preferred time for the holy bath.
2. Deepdaan (Offering of Lamps)
The signature ritual of Dev Deepawali is lighting oil lamps (diyas) on the ghats.
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Timing: Sunset onwards (Approx. 05:15 PM). The 84 ghats of Varanasi will be illuminated by over a million lamps starting at dusk.
3. Maha Ganga Aarti
The evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat on Dev Deepawali is performed on a massive scale with 21 priests and 24 young women.
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Varanasi Ganga Aarti Timing: 05:45 PM – 07:30 PM (Winter schedule).
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Pro-Tip: Arrive by boat by 05:00 PM to secure a front-row view from the water.
Summary — Dev Deepawali 2026 at a Glance
| Festival Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 November 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi | 23 Nov 11:42 PM – 24 Nov 08:23 PM |
| Pradoshakal Muhurat | 05:08 PM – 07:47 PM |
| Location | Varanasi & other holy ghats of India |
| Main Rituals | Holy Ganga dip, Ganga Aarti, Deepdan (lamp lighting), prayers |
| Cultural Highlights | Aarti ceremonies, devotional gatherings, cultural performances |
Dev Deepawali 2026 Event Schedule
| Event | Tentative Timing |
| Holy Dip (Kartik Snan) | 04:30 AM – 06:00 AM |
| Lighting of Diyas (Ghats) | 05:15 PM onwards |
| Maha Ganga Aarti | 05:45 PM – 07:15 PM |
| Chet Singh Ghat Laser Show | 07:30 PM |
| Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Show | 07:45 PM onwards |
