How is Diwali celebrated in Varanasi?
Diwali in Varanasi is celebrated with lamps on homes and ghats, Lakshmi Puja and fireworks. At Annapurna Devi Temple beside Kashi Vishwanath, the days around Dhanteras and Annakut are especially important. Diwali also begins the countdown to Dev Deepawali fifteen days later. In 2026, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on 8 November.
When it falls
- Usually
- October–November
- Calendar basis
- Kartik Amavasya (new moon; amanta calendar)
- Upcoming date
- 8 November (2026)
On this page
The five days
The festival spans five days — Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), Govardhan Puja/Annakut and Bhai Dooj. In 2026, Lakshmi Puja is on 8 November, according to Drik Panchang.
In Kashi
- Annapurna Devi Temple — around Dhanteras and Annakut, the temple draws huge crowds; accounts describe a special golden image of the goddess shown only in these days. See Annapurna Devi.
- Lamps on the ghats — a prelude to Dev Deepawali.
Tips
- Accommodation fills for the whole Diwali–Dev Deepawali season; book early.
- Air quality can be poor around Diwali; people with breathing problems should take precautions.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali 2026?
Lakshmi Puja is on 8 November 2026, according to Drik Panchang.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Drik Panchang — Hindu festival dates for Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Drik Panchang — Reference work, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- Dev DeepawaliDev Deepawali in Varanasi: the festival of lamps on Kartik Purnima when the ghats glow with lakhs of diyas — meaning, best viewing spots, boats, crowds and tips.
- Annapurna DeviAnnapurna Devi Temple beside Kashi Vishwanath: the goddess who feeds Kashi, the temple's history, the Annakut festival, and the statue returned from Canada in 2021.
- Festival CalendarA calendar of Kashi's main festivals with their lunar basis, the months they usually fall in and upcoming dates we have verified. Updated annually.
- FestivalsKashi's great festivals — Mahashivratri, Sawan, Dev Deepawali, Holi, Diwali, Navratri and Makar Sankranti — what happens, when they fall and how to plan.
- HoliHoli in Kashi: Rangbhari Ekadashi at Kashi Vishwanath, the Masan Holi tradition at the cremation ghats, Holika Dahan, thandai and safety tips for visitors.
- NavratriNavratri in Kashi: the tradition of visiting a different goddess shrine each day, the Durga Temple, Durga Puja pandals, the Ramnagar Ramlila and practical tips.