Varanasi will host its Dev Deepawali celebrations on November 24 with more than 11 lakh earthen lamps across the city’s ghats, riverbanks and ponds, as Uttar Pradesh authorities prepare for a large influx of devotees and tourists. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed arrangements and directed officials to prioritise security, traffic regulation, sanitation and visitor convenience.
The four-day Ganga Mahotsav will precede the main celebration from November 20 to 23 at Namo Ghat, with cultural programmes scheduled every evening. The chief minister also asked officials to increase the participation of local artists and residents in the festivities.
On Dev Deepawali, all major ghats along the Ganga will be illuminated. Events will also extend to Sarnath, Markandey Mahadev Temple, Shooltankeshwar Temple and more than 100 ponds across Varanasi. The diyas will be supplied by women’s self-help groups, linking the city’s public celebration to local production and community participation.
The evening programme will include the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, followed by projection mapping, laser displays and drone shows. A green fireworks display is planned near Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Authorities will also make special arrangements for Guru Nanak Jayanti, which coincides with Dev Deepawali this year.
Crowd management will divide the riverfront into 10 zones, 21 sectors and 36 sub-sectors. Watchtowers, drone surveillance, quick response teams, divers and Anti-Romeo squads are expected to be deployed. A floating rescue station and water ambulances will remain on standby for emergencies on the Ganga.
The traffic plan includes a two-way boat movement system between Namo and Assi ghats to reduce congestion on the river. Officials will impose traffic diversions, create 31 parking zones and establish a medical green corridor connecting 14 hospitals. These measures are intended to manage movement across the densely occupied riverfront and provide faster access for emergency services.
The scale of the arrangements reflects the operational challenge of hosting a major public event across multiple waterfront and heritage locations rather than at a single venue. The authorities’ plan combines crowd zoning, road and river movement controls, surveillance, medical access and sanitation arrangements across the city.
Officials are expected to continue preparations for the Ganga Mahotsav beginning November 20, followed by the main Dev Deepawali programme on November 24. The final arrangements will cover security, traffic, sanitation, cultural programming and visitor facilities across Varanasi’s ghats and associated celebration sites.
