Why Dev Diwali 2026 Is Special
Dev Diwali is always one of the biggest nights in Kashi, but 2026 comes with a few extra reasons to plan early. Here is what makes this year different, and what to book before the rush.
01
Varanasi’s First-Ever Air Show
A month before Dev Diwali, the Indian Air Force is set to stage its first air show over the Ganga, with the ghats from Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat as the backdrop. The riverfront will already be in festival mood weeks ahead.
02
Dev Diwali Meets Guru Nanak Jayanti
Both fall on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday, , so expect the city to be especially festive and busy that day.
03
A Long Weekend and a Packed Ritual Week
Saturday 21 to Tuesday 24 November makes a natural long weekend, with Dev Uthani Ekadashi (20 Nov), Tulsi Vivah (21 Nov) and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi (23 Nov) leading up to the Purnima. More visitors means boats and hotels sell out sooner.
04
A Late Festive Calendar
Diwali falls on 8 November this year, so Dev Diwali arrives on 24 November. The Pradosh Kaal window of 5:08 PM to 7:47 PM (as per Drik Panchang) gives you a clear, roughly 2 hour 39 minute slot for the lamp lighting.
Programmes Before Dev Diwali 2026: Air Show & Festival Calendar
If you are visiting Varanasi in the weeks before 24 November, here is what is lined up. Dates are as per current reports and panchang listings, so confirm closer to the day.
| Date | Programme | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| From 16 Oct | Namo Ghat handed to the Air Force | Public access restricted while the control centre is set up |
| 20 Oct | Air show rehearsals begin | Rehearsals continue till 22 Oct; Vijayadashami also falls on 20 Oct |
| & | IAF Air Show, Day 1 and Day 2 | Around 12 noon to 2 PM over the ghats |
| IAF Air Show, final day | Senior officials expected; PM likely as chief guest | |
| 26 Oct | Sharad Purnima, Kartik Snan begins | Month-long dawn baths begin; pair them with Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat |
| 8 Nov | Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | The main household festival of lights |
| 13 – 16 Nov | Chhath Puja | Arghya to the Sun at the ghats |
| 20 Nov | Dev Uthani Ekadashi | Vishnu’s awakening; Bhishma Panchak begins |
| 21 Nov | Tulsi Vivah | Ceremonial marriage of Tulsi and Vishnu |
| 23 Nov | Vaikuntha Chaturdashi | Special worship at Kashi Vishwanath the night before Dev Diwali |
| Dev Diwali / Kartik Purnima | Ghats light up at dusk; book your Dev Diwali boat early |
First Time in Varanasi
IAF Air Show Over the Ganga
📅 22, 23 & 25 Oct 2026
⏰ ~12 PM – 2 PM daily
📍 Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat
This will be the first air show Varanasi has hosted. More than three dozen aircraft are expected, including Rafale and Tejas fighters, the Suryakiran aerobatic team, Rudra helicopters and transport aircraft. Each display is planned for roughly 90 minutes, with several aircraft flying over the river together. Authorities are preparing for crowds comparable to Dev Diwali, so the ghats will be busy.
Dates and timings are as per current media reports. Final details will be announced by the administration and the Air Force, so confirm closer to the date.
Boat rides during the air show
Rajghat bridge and boat services on the Ganga are expected to remain closed while the performances are on. If you are in Varanasi on 22, 23 or 25 October, plan your boat ride or ghat walk outside the 12 noon to 2 PM window.
A Smart Air Show Day Plan in Varanasi
Morning
Subah-e-Banaras
Start the day with the sunrise ritual at Assi Ghat. Read our guide to Subah-e-Banaras timing and how to attend.
12 PM – 2 PM
Watch the air show
Reach early, as the stretch from Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat will be crowded. Keep your boat plans outside this window.
Evening
Ganga Aarti and ghats
Catch the evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh, then walk the lit ghats or book a river ride once boats resume.
Ganga Mahotsav
Ganga Mahotsav is the cultural festival held at Rajghat around the Dev Diwali season, with music, dance and folk performances by local artists. Last year it ran from 1 to 4 November. Dates for 2026 were not confirmed at the time of writing, so check the UP Tourism announcement before planning around it.
Planning Both the Air Show and Dev Diwali?
As a trusted travel agency in Varanasi, ShriKashiTrip can help you with Dev Diwali boat booking, stay and taxi service in Varanasi in one go. Roads near the ghats get restricted on festival days, so pre-book your airport and railway transfers.
Plan on WhatsApp → Contact Us
