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See the ghats lit with lakhs of lamps on Dev Deepawali from the river, the most memorable night of the Varanasi year.
Overview
Watch Dev Deepawali, the festival of lights, from a boat on the Ganga.
See Varanasi's Dev Deepawali from the river. Boats report at Ravidas Ghat around 3:30 PM and hold position for the lit ghats, the floating diyas, the Ganga aarti and the laser shows at Chet Singh and Lalita ghats. Choose a shared motor or bajra boat, a private light motor boat or a cruise. Boats sell out weeks ahead, so enquire early for a free quote.
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Highlights
Where you go
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Good to know
Timings were as follows in 2025 and are confirmed each year.
Shared boats suit budget travellers. Private boats give more comfort, flexibility and privacy for a family or group, and a private cruise is possible for very large groups.
Demand is very high and seats can sell out weeks in advance. Arrive on time at the reporting hour for a smooth boarding.
What you get
Trip details
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Call or message us on WhatsApp. We reply quickly and can customise any plan.
Before you go
Life jackets are on board. Stay seated while the boat is moving and follow the boatman's instructions. During the monsoon, high water levels can change routes or pause rides, and we will tell you if that applies on your date.
A shared boat splits the cost among several guests and follows a standard route. A private boat belongs to your group and you can set the timing and route. Private is better for families, photographers and elders.
The ghats are sacred places. Avoid photographing cremations and always ask before photographing people. Your boatman will guide you on what is appropriate.
Rates are shared in a written quote after you enquire, based on your dates, group size and requirements.
The ghats light up after sunset, floating diyas begin around 6:30 PM, the Ganga aarti runs from about 6:45 to 7:30 PM, and there are laser shows at Chet Singh Ghat (with a fire show) and Lalita Ghat. Timings were as above in 2025 and are confirmed each year.
Yes. A life jacket is provided for every passenger and the rides suit families, children and senior citizens. If anyone needs help getting in and out of the boat at the ghat, tell us in advance.
On the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik (Kartik Purnima), usually in November. The date changes each year, so we confirm it for your trip.
Boats board at Ravidas Ghat, with a reporting time around 3:30 PM. Arriving on time makes boarding smooth.
Shared motor boats (about 20 seats), shared bajra boats (about 40) and cruises (up to 120), or private light motor boats (about 20), private bajra boats (about 40) and a private cruise for very large groups.
As early as possible. Demand is very high and seats can sell out weeks in advance.
Still have a question? Ask us on WhatsApp
Ready to book or have questions?
Call or message us on WhatsApp. We reply quickly and can customise any plan.
Row along the ghats at first light, from Assi to Dashashwamedh and back.
Watch the evening Ganga aarti from a boat on the water with a reserved spot.
A longer private ride along the major ghats from Assi to Rajghat, ending at Dashashwamedh for the evening aarti.
Ready to plan your Varanasi trip?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will reply with a clear written quote.
