Dev Diwali 2026 Boat Prices & Options

Dev Diwali Boat Booking in Varanasi — 2026 Complete Guide

Dev Diwali 2026 falls on 24 November 2026 (Tuesday), the night of Kartik Purnima. On this evening the ghats of Varanasi are lit with lakhs of earthen diyas, the Maha Ganga Aarti is performed, and fireworks, a fire show and a laser show light up the river. The ghats are packed shoulder to shoulder, which is why the best — and calmest — place to watch Dev Diwali is from a boat on the Ganga itself.

VisitKashi has been running Dev Diwali boat rides since 2017. Every boat on this page departs from Ravidas Ghat, Nagwa, Varanasi. You book directly with the operator — there is no agent in the middle — and you get a confirmed seat, a fixed reporting time and on-ground support from our team at the ghat.

Dev Diwali 2026 Boat Price Comparison

All four boats follow the same Dev Diwali route and timings. The difference is comfort, capacity and the type of boat. Prices are per person:

Which Dev Diwali Boat Should You Choose?

Normal Motor Boat — best value (₹2,999)

The Normal Motor Boat is the most affordable way to see Dev Diwali from the river. It is an open boat, so you get a clear, wide view of the lit ghats, the fire show and the laser show. Choose it if you are travelling on a budget, with friends, or with a large group that wants to stay together.

Light Motor Boat — more comfort, same route (₹4,499)

The Light Motor Boat (Gold package) is a better-finished, more comfortable boat for 40–50 guests. It is a popular choice for couples and families who want a step up from the standard motor boat without paying for a Bajra or cruise.

Bajra (Maharaja Ride) — the traditional royal boat (₹9,999)

The Bajra is a traditional double-decker wooden boat — the classic way to see the ghats of Kashi. It moves slowly and steadily, which makes it the best choice for photography and for watching the Ganga Aarti. Seats are allocated from a live seat map, so you can pick exactly where you sit.

Luxury Cruise (AC) — the most comfortable option (₹13,499)

The Luxury Cruise is air-conditioned and has a washroom on board, so it is the right choice for elderly guests, small children and anyone who wants maximum comfort through a 3-hour evening. It is also the premium option for couples and corporate guests.

Travelling as a group and want the whole boat to yourselves? See private boat booking for Dev Diwali — price on request, based on group size.

What You Will See from the Boat

• Diya-lit ghats: lakhs of earthen lamps along the ghats of Varanasi, reflected in the river — the defining sight of Dev Diwali.
• Maha Ganga Aarti: the evening aarti, performed by priests with large brass lamps, conch shells and chanting. Read our Ganga Aarti boat guide.
• Fireworks: the sky over the Ganga fills with colour after sunset. See Dev Diwali fireworks.
• Fire show and laser show: light and fire performances projected over the ghats — see the fire show and laser show guides.

How to Book Your Dev Diwali Boat Online

1. Choose your boat from the cards or table above and open its details page.
2. Select the number of guests (and your seats, for the Bajra and Luxury Cruise).
3. Enter your details and confirm on the booking page. You will receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket.
4. Reach Ravidas Ghat by 4:30 PM on 24 November 2026 (Tuesday) and show your ticket to our team at the ghat.

Prefer to talk to someone? Call or WhatsApp +91 70801 09919 (secondary: +91 70801 09918) and our team will book for you.

Dev Diwali 2026 Timings

How to Reach Ravidas Ghat

Ravidas Ghat is at Nagwa, near Lanka, at the southern end of the Varanasi ghats. You can reach it by cab, auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from Varanasi Junction (Cantt) railway station and from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Babatpur). On Dev Diwali the roads near the ghats are restricted and traffic is very heavy, so general parking is usually 1–2 km from the ghat. Plan to leave your hotel early so you reach well before the 4:30 PM reporting time — boats depart on schedule because of river-traffic rules.

Tips for a Smooth Dev Diwali Boat Ride

• Book early. Boats fill up weeks in advance, and the best seats on the Bajra and Cruise go first. See early bird booking.
• Reach on time. Guests who miss the reporting time are treated as a no-show under our refund policy.
• Carry a light shawl or jacket. It gets breezy on the river after sunset in late November.
• Leave the drone at home. Drones are not allowed on Dev Diwali — read the drone rules.
• Charge your phone. You will want photos and videos, and the ride lasts 2.5–3 hours.
• Plan your stay. Hotels near the ghats sell out early; see our Dev Diwali itinerary packages.

Cancellation Policy (Summary)

Cancellations made 15 or more days before the event get a 50% refund. Cancellations within 10 days of Dev Diwali are non-refundable, because boats and logistics are paid for in advance. Read the full refund policy before booking.