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Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi: the five days before the diyas
✦
By Rajeev Sharma
Varanasi-born Pilgrimage Guide
⏱40+ years of guiding across Kashi, Ayodhya & PrayagrajGuiding in Hindi, Telugu & Kannada
Last updated: August 22, 2026
Ganga Mahotsav (गंगा महोत्सव) is Varanasi's five-day cultural festival on the Ganga ghats, expected 20 to 24 November 2026, closing on Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima). UP Tourism stages classical music, a crafts fair and boat races at Rajendra Prasad Ghat. varanasiayodhyatours.com arranges festival stays, seating and darshan on WhatsApp.
Plan Your Yatra
Experience Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi: the five days before the diyas with a Kashi-born guide — darshan, stays and boats arranged.
Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.Ganga Mahotsav is a multi-day cultural festival showcasing classical music, dance, handicrafts, and local traditions. The event concludes with Dev Deepawali and attracts artists and visitors from across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ganga Mahotsav 2026?
Expected 20 to 24 November 2026, Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima. The final day is Dev Deepawali.
Is Ganga Mahotsav free to attend?
Yes. It is a public festival organised by UP Tourism with open seating at the ghats. Nobody official sells tickets at the venue.
How is Ganga Mahotsav different from Dev Deepawali?
Ganga Mahotsav is the five-day cultural festival: music, dance, crafts, boat races. Dev Deepawali is the single night of a million diyas that closes it. Same week, different experiences.
Where is Ganga Mahotsav held in Varanasi?
The main stage is Rajendra Prasad Ghat, next to Dashashwamedh Ghat, with some events at other ghats.
How many days do I need for Ganga Mahotsav?
Three days covers the peak concerts, the shilp mela and Dev Deepawali night. Six days from the opening gives you the whole arc without rushing.
What is the shilp mela at Ganga Mahotsav?
A crafts fair where artisans from many states sell work directly: Banarasi weaves, woodcraft, brass, terracotta. Prices are fair; carry small notes.
Is there a boat race at Ganga Mahotsav?
Yes, a country-boat race on the Ganga is part of the traditional programme.
What time do the evening performances start?
Stage programmes typically begin after sunset, around 6 pm. Arrive an hour early on peak days for a good seat.
Is November a good time to visit Varanasi?
It is the best month: dry, cool evenings, and the festival calendar peaks with Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali in the same week.
Do performances have commentary in South Indian languages?
The stage programme runs in Hindi, but we guide Telugu and Kannada speaking pilgrims through the week, including the rituals of Kartik Purnima, in their own language.
Plan Your Yatra
Experience Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi: the five days before the diyas with a Kashi-born guide — darshan, stays and boats arranged.
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