Varanasi Dev Deepawali preparations include a plan to light more than 11 lakh earthen lamps across several sites. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the arrangements for the festival and Ganga Mahotsav. For more updates, follow Uttar Pradesh current affairs.
Quick answer: For Varanasi Dev Deepawali, over 11 lakh lamps are planned at the ghats, sandy bank and city kunds. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations on 11 November 2026. Meanwhile, Ganga Mahotsav will take place at Namo Ghat from 20 to 23 November, with cultural evenings on all four days.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Review | Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations in Varanasi |
| Lamp plan | Over 11 lakh earthen lamps across the identified sites |
| Ganga Mahotsav | 20–23 November 2026 at Namo Ghat |
| City kunds | More than 100 included in the lamp plan |
| Lamp makers | Self-help groups will contribute lamps |
Why is Varanasi Dev Deepawali in the news?
The festival is in the news because the Chief Minister reviewed preparations in Varanasi on 11 November 2026. He described Dev Deepawali as an important part of Kashi’s identity and cultural heritage. He also asked officials to improve arrangements using lessons from previous years.
The review covered both Dev Deepawali and Ganga Mahotsav. Therefore, aspirants should distinguish the festival’s lamp plan from the dates of the four-day cultural event.
Where will the lamps be lit?
The plan covers all permanent ghats, the sandy bank opposite the Ganga and more than 100 city kunds. Together, these sites are to receive over 11 lakh earthen lamps. The total is not restricted to the ghats alone.
Some lamps will be made by women’s self-help groups. In addition, officials were asked to make special arrangements in rural areas, Sarnath, Markandeya Mahadev Temple, Shooltankeshwar Temple and major kunds. The Chief Minister wanted celebrations to reach beyond the ghats.
When is Ganga Mahotsav at Namo Ghat?
Ganga Mahotsav is scheduled from 20 to 23 November 2026 at Namo Ghat. Officials said each of the four days would feature a cultural evening. The Chief Minister also directed them to give priority to local artists.
Separately, officials were asked to complete arrangements at gurdwaras for Guru Nanak Jayanti on 24 November. These include langar, kirtan and arrangements for the congregation. Thus, the review addressed more than one cultural and religious occasion.
- Varanasi stands on the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
- Sarnath is associated with the Buddha’s first sermon.
- Varanasi is also known as Kashi.
Source: Amar Ujala Uttar Pradesh, 12 November 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many lamps are planned for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
More than 11 lakh earthen lamps are planned across the identified sites. These include permanent ghats, the sandy bank and over 100 city kunds.
When and where is Ganga Mahotsav 2026?
Ganga Mahotsav is scheduled for 20–23 November 2026 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Each day will have a cultural evening.
Who will make some of the Dev Deepawali lamps?
Women’s self-help groups will make some of the lamps. Their contribution forms part of the women’s self-reliance effort mentioned in the review.
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