Lucknow, November 2026 : More than 1.1 million earthen lamps will illuminate the ghats of Varanasi during Dev Deepawali on November 24, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday while reviewing preparations for the Ganga Mahotsav and the festival.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the safety, convenience and comfort of devotees and tourists expected to visit Kashi from across India and abroad. He described Dev Deepawali as a festival that reflects the city's cultural heritage and identity, and instructed all departments to coordinate closely to ensure that preparations are completed within the stipulated timelines.
According to officials, the Ganga Mahotsav will be organised at Namo Ghat from November 20 to 23, with cultural programmes scheduled on all four days. Adityanath directed the organisers to give priority to local artists and performers.
More than 1.1 million diyas will be lit across all permanent ghats, the sandy riverfront and over 100 kunds (traditional water bodies) in the city. The lamps will also include those prepared by women's self-help groups as part of initiatives to promote women's economic empowerment. The ghats and sandy riverbanks have been divided into sectors, with nodal officers appointed to supervise the arrangements.
The Chief Minister said the celebrations should extend beyond the riverfront and create a festive atmosphere across the entire city. Special arrangements for lighting will also be made in rural areas, Sarnath, Markandeya Mahadev Temple, Shooltankeshwar Temple and prominent kunds.
As November 24 also marks Guru Nanak Jayanti, officials have been directed to ensure timely arrangements for langars, kirtans and gatherings at gurudwaras. Adityanath also stressed the need to train boat operators in safety and crowd management.
Laser show, drone display and green fireworks planned
Officials said all ghats would be illuminated on the evening of November 24, followed by the world-famous Ganga Maha Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A grand projection and laser show will be organised at Chet Singh Ghat, while drone shows will take place in front of Dashashwamedh and Assi ghats. Green fireworks will be displayed in front of Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
The Chief Minister directed officials to keep public convenience and safety at the centre of the event planning.
10 security zones and 27 watchtowers
With lakhs of devotees expected for the Kartik Purnima holy dip and Dev Deepawali celebrations, the administration has divided the entire ghat area into 10 zones, 21 sectors and 36 sub-sectors. Zonal and sector-level officers will oversee security and crowd management.
The arrangements will include 27 watchtowers, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), anti-Romeo squads at 21 major ghats, private divers and drone cameras. Eleven lost-and-found centres will assist devotees and tourists. Tourist police personnel will also patrol the city on e-scooters.
For river safety, authorities have introduced a two-way boat movement system between Namo Ghat and Assi Ghat using floating water jetties. Boats will travel from Namo Ghat towards Assi Ghat and return along the sandy riverbank on the opposite side. The operation of diesel-powered boats and boats from outside the district will be prohibited.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Flood Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), water police and water ambulances will remain on continuous patrol. A floating rescue station will also operate at Chet Singh Ghat. Changing rooms, mobile toilets, drinking water tankers and additional sanitation workers will be deployed along the ghats.
Traffic diversions, parking and medical arrangements
To prevent traffic congestion, seven major diversion points have been identified for heavy vehicles entering from neighbouring districts. Thirty-one parking locations will be designated within the city, while the movement of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws will be restricted on major crowded routes.
A dedicated green corridor will connect key government and private hospitals, including the BHU Trauma Centre, Sir Sunderlal Hospital and Pandit Deendayal Hospital, to facilitate emergency medical services.
Adityanath also ordered a special cleanliness drive across Varanasi from November 20 to 25. He instructed officials to ensure that the ghats are cleaned immediately after the evening's lamp-lighting ceremonies so that devotees arriving for the early-morning holy dip the following day face no inconvenience.
The Chief Minister further asked officials to coordinate with taxi operators, hotels and restaurants to ensure that pilgrims and tourists receive services at reasonable prices.
He said Dev Deepawali represents not only religious faith but also Kashi's hospitality and the efficiency of its administration. Greater participation of local residents should be encouraged, he said, adding that every visitor should leave the city with a memorable and pleasant experience.
