Fifteen days after Diwali, when the full moon of Kartik rises, the ghats of Varanasi glow with hundreds of thousands of lamps. This is Dev Diwali, also called Dev Deepawali, the "Diwali of the gods". It closes the Diwali season with a night devoted to light, the river Ganga and Lord Shiva.
Tuesday, 24 November 2026 (Kartik Purnima). The Purnima tithi runs from about 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November (IST). Lamps are lit after sunset, in the evening twilight. Please confirm timings for your city on a local panchang.
The Legend: Shiva, Tripurari
According to tradition, the demon Tripurasura had three flying cities that were so well protected that they could only be destroyed with a single arrow when the three aligned. On Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva is said to have destroyed all three at once and earned the name Tripurari, the enemy of Tripura. The gods rejoiced and lit lamps in Kashi, and it is believed that on this night they descend to bathe in the Ganga. Accounts differ in detail between texts and regions, but the meaning is consistent: the triumph of light and righteousness over evil.
How Dev Diwali Is Celebrated in Varanasi
- Pilgrims take a Ganga snan at dawn on Kartik Purnima.
- After sunset, earthen lamps line the ghats and are reflected in the river.
- A grand Ganga Aarti is held at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Devotees float small leaf boats carrying diyas and flowers on the river.
- Temples in Kashi, including Kashi Vishwanath, are decorated and lit.
Observing Dev Diwali at Home
You do not have to be in Varanasi to honour the day. A simple home observance often includes:
- Bathing early, with a few drops of Gangajal if you have it, and offering water to the rising sun.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva with water, milk and bilva leaves, and Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves. Many families also hold the Satyanarayan katha.
- Lighting earthen lamps with ghee or sesame oil at the doorway, near the tulsi plant and in the puja room after sunset.
- Praying to the Ganga and other holy rivers.
- Giving food, clothes or lamps to people in need.
Other Observances on the Same Day
Kartik Purnima is a day of many traditions. It is also known as Tripurari Purnima, it is observed as Guru Nanak Jayanti by the Sikh community, and Karthigai Deepam is celebrated around this time in Tamil Nadu. Many people also take a holy dip in rivers or tanks and perform charity. The lamps of Dev Diwali carry the same message as the Diwali that came before: let the light spread. If you missed the main festival, you can read about it in our guide to Diwali date, muhurat and vidhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dev Diwali the same as Diwali?
No. Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya, while Dev Diwali falls fifteen days later on Kartik Purnima. They are separate festivals that share the theme of light.
Can I do deepdaan at home?
Yes. Lighting lamps at the doorway, the tulsi and the puja room after sunset is a common way to observe Dev Diwali at home.
Why is Dev Diwali famous in Varanasi?
The tradition of the gods descending to bathe in the Ganga on this night is closely tied to Kashi, and the ghats are illuminated on a large scale, which draws pilgrims and visitors.
Read Next
- Diwali Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance
- Chhath Puja
- What Are the Reasons to Celebrate Diwali?
Resources and references. HinduTone: Dev Deepawali 2026 | Traditional sources: Tripurasura legend in the Puranic tradition
Disclaimer. This article is shared for general knowledge and cultural interest. It draws on traditional beliefs, scriptural tradition and published panchang sources, and is not scientific, medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Astrology, Vastu, omens and religious observances are belief-based and offer no guarantee of any outcome. Dates, tithi and muhurat timings differ by city and by panchang, and the figures given here may change or contain errors, so please confirm them with your local panchang or family priest before you act. Fasting and dietary practices must suit your health; consult a doctor first if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Sansthaan and its writers accept no responsibility or liability for any decision, loss or consequence arising from the use of this content.
Sansthaan Team
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