Diwali 2026 in Ayodhya & Varanasi: Dates, Timings, Deepotsav & Dev Deepawali Complete Schedule

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also called the “Festival of Lights”, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Wikipedia+2Almanac+2 While it is celebrated across India in many homes and communities, certain places like Ayodhya (the birthplace of Lord Ram) and Varanasi (along the sacred Ganga river) elevate the celebration with large-scale public events, spectacular lighting, and massive crowd turnout.

Diwali in Ayodhya

Dates & Schedule

• The festival known as the “Deepotsav” in Ayodhya is scheduled for 18 October to 23 October 2025. ayodhyapackages+2Ayodhya Varanasi Tourism+2
• The main lighting of earthen lamps (diyas) and major events are expected 19-21 October 2025, from about 4:00 PM onwards daily. dharmikvibes.com+1
• One source lists 20 October 2025 as the key date for Ayodhya’s main Diwali celebration. Yahoo Style
• According to the official temple schedule for Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, on 20 Oct 2025 the day includes: Sharada Pujan at 4:41 PM–6:07 PM and Aarti at 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM. shreerammandir.org

What to Expect

• Huge lighting displays: The city plans to light over 2.6 million (26 lakh) diyas along the ghats of the Saryu River and in the temple precincts. OpIndia+1
• Green fireworks: In a bid for eco-friendly celebration, Ayodhya will use green fireworks and minimise pollution. OpIndia
• Cultural programmes: Ram Leela plays, processions, Vedic chanting, and large-scale aartis are part of the festivities.
• Prime time: Most spectacular lighting and activities happen after sunset (approx 6 PM onward) until around 9–10 PM depending on the event.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early (by late afternoon) to secure a good vantage spot for the lighting event.
• Expect large crowds — plan for traffic, parking or public transport.
• Dress modestly and be prepared for security checks.
• Carry a small torch / power bank — festival lighting photos attract very bright lights.
• Stay near the Saryu ghats or Ram Mandir area for the full effect of the event.
• Book accommodation well in advance: festival weeks in Ayodhya fill up fast.

Diwali & Dev Diwali in Varanasi

Dates & Schedule

• For Varanasi’s “regular” Diwali celebrations in 2025

Dhanteras: 18 October 2025 (Saturday) Prayagraj Kumbh Mela - Holy Voyages+1

Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): 20 October 2025 (Monday) Prayagraj Kumbh Mela - Holy Voyages

Main Diwali day: 21 October 2025 (Tuesday) Prayagraj Kumbh Mela - Holy Voyages+1

• Dev Diwali (also known as Dev Deepawali) in Varanasi is celebrated on the full-moon day of Kartik (~15 days after Diwali). For 2025 the date is 5 November 2025. Drik Panchang+2Mathura Vrindavan Package+2
• On Dev Deepawali the boat rides on the Ganga and lighting of diyas across many ghats are scheduled. For example: boat rides starting around 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM. http://visitkashi.com

What to Expect

• On main Diwali day, the ghats of Varanasi will be lit up, homes will be decorated with oil lamps, and there will be fireworks.
• On Dev Diwali: More than a million earthen lamps illuminate 84 ghats. The Ganga Aarti is a major draw. Holidify+1
• Boat rides along the Ganga offer spectacular views of the illuminated ghats and floating diyas.
• Evening time (just after sunset) is the best time to witness the lamps and aarti.

Tips for Visitors

• For Dev Diwali: Try to get to the ghats by ~4 PM to ~5 PM to get a good spot. Boat rides should be booked in advance.
• If visiting on main Diwali in Varanasi: choose a spot on the ghats before sunset; sunset to moon-rise is very scenic.
• Evening wear a light jacket – river breeze can get cool.
• Respect the river and ghats — no littering, avoid being too close to the water at night without guidance.
• Accommodation near the ghats (Assi, Dashashwamedh) is ideal but needs advance booking.

Why These Cities Are Special

• Ayodhya: Celebrates Diwali with large scale lighting to mark Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya (as per the epic). With the newly built Ram Mandir, the 2025/26 Deepotsav is expected to be historic.
• Varanasi: The riverside ghats of the Ganga create a uniquely spiritual ambiance during Diwali and Dev Diwali. The lamps on the river, the sounds of aarti, and the full-moon night (for Dev Diwali) make it a must-see.

Summary Table

City	Event Name	Dates (2025)	Key Time
Ayodhya	Deepotsav	18-23 Oct 2025	Lamp-lighting ~4 PM onward; main ~6-9 PM
Varanasi	Diwali	18 Oct (Dhanteras) / 20 Oct (Chhoti) / 21 Oct (Main)	Evening after sunset
Varanasi	Dev Diwali	5 November 2025	Boat rides ~5-8:30 PM; lamps at sunset

Final Tips & Reminders

• Because these events draw huge crowds, plan transport, accommodation and schedules well in advance.
• Consider staying an extra day in case of crowd delays or transport issues.
• Respect local rituals – arrive before main time, avoid last-minute rush to ghats, follow local instructions and signage.
• Capture the moment: the best photos are during the “magic hour” (just after sunset) when the diyas are lit but there is still ambient light.
• Keep safety in mind: especially around water (Varanasi ghats) and large crowds (Ayodhya). Light fireworks only in designated zones, follow instructions.

(Note: Specific times may vary locally, so always check the latest updates if you plan to) attend