Ganga Mahotsav to be held at Namo Ghat from November 20 to 23, followed by Dev Deepawali celebrations on Kartik Purnima, November 24
Boats to operate under a 'two-way lane system' on the Ganga for the first time; security arrangements divided into 10 zones and 21 sectors
Laser show at Chet Singh Ghat, Maha Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and green fireworks in front of Kashi Vishwanath Dham on the evening of November 24
Crowd management through 27 watchtowers and drone surveillance; tourist police to patrol on e-scooters
Seven outer diversion points and 31 parking sites designated to prevent traffic congestion; auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws to be restricted on key routes
Special cleanliness drive to be conducted across the city from November 20 to 25; green corridor connecting 14 hospitals to be arranged for emergencies
Lucknow, November 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting in Varanasi to assess preparations for Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali. He said, "Dev Deepawali is a prestigious festival that represents the identity and rich cultural heritage of Kashi. Ensuring the convenience and safety of the large number of devotees expected from across the country and abroad must remain the top priority." The Chief Minister directed officials to take lessons from previous years and address the challenges encountered earlier to ensure better arrangements this time, leaving no room for inconvenience. He instructed all departments to work in close coordination and complete all preparations within the stipulated timeline.
During the review meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that Ganga Mahotsav would be organised at Namo Ghat from November 20 to 23, with cultural programmes scheduled on all four days. The Chief Minister directed that local artists be given priority. Officials further informed him that more than 11 lakh diyas would be illuminated this year across all permanent ghats, the sandy riverbank facing the Ganga and over 100 ponds across the city. Diyas prepared by self-help groups as part of the women's self-reliance initiative would also be included. The entire ghat area and sandy riverbank have been divided into sectors, with nodal officers deployed to oversee the arrangements for lighting the diyas.
The Chief Minister directed that the festive spirit of Dev Deepawali should not remain confined to the ghats but should be visible across the entire city. Special arrangements for the celebrations should also be made in rural areas, Sarnath, Markandeya Mahadev Temple, Shooltankeshwar Temple and prominent ponds. Since Guru Nanak Jayanti also falls on November 24, officials were instructed to ensure timely arrangements for langar, kirtan and congregation at gurdwaras. He also emphasised the need to engage with boatmen and provide them with training focused on safety and efficient management.
Presenting the outline of the main events, officials informed the Chief Minister that diyas would be illuminated at all ghats on the evening of November 24, followed by the world-famous Maha Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This would be followed by a grand projection and laser show at Chet Singh Ghat, a drone show in front of Dashashwamedh and Assi ghats, and a green fireworks display in front of the ghat adjoining Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The Chief Minister directed officials to accord top priority to public convenience and safety while finalising the programme.
Police and administrative officials briefed the Chief Minister on the security arrangements, stating that lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Varanasi for the Kartik Purnima holy dip and Dev Deepawali. To manage the crowds, the entire ghat area has been divided into 10 zones, 21 sectors and 36 sub-sectors, with zonal and sector-level officers deployed accordingly. A total of 27 watchtowers, QRTs, Anti-Romeo Squads at 21 major ghats, private divers and drone cameras will be deployed. Eleven lost-and-found centres have also been set up to assist devotees and tourists, while tourist police personnel will conduct continuous patrols on e-scooters.
Regarding river safety and boat operations, officials informed the Chief Minister that, learning from the congestion witnessed last year, a two-way lane system has been created between Namo Ghat and Assi Ghat using floating water jetties. Boats will travel from Namo Ghat towards Assi Ghat and return from Assi Ghat to Namo Ghat along the opposite sandy bank. The operation of diesel-powered boats and boats from outside the district will be prohibited. The NDRF, Flood PAC, water police and water ambulances will remain on continuous patrol for rescue and relief operations, while a floating rescue station will be operational at Chet Singh Ghat. Changing rooms, mobile toilets, drinking water tankers and an adequate number of sanitation workers will also be deployed at the ghats.
Regarding traffic management, officials informed the Chief Minister that seven major diversion points have been identified for heavy vehicles entering from neighbouring districts to prevent congestion in the city. Parking facilities have been arranged at 31 locations within the city, while the movement of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws will be restricted on major congested routes. A green corridor will also be established to ensure emergency medical services, connecting major government and private hospitals, including the BHU Trauma Centre, Sir Sunderlal Hospital and Pandit Deendayal Hospital.
The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a special cleanliness drive across the city from November 20 to 25. He further instructed that the ghats be cleaned immediately after the completion of the diya-offering rituals on Dev Deepawali night so that devotees arriving for the early morning holy dip the following day do not face any inconvenience. He also emphasised the need to engage with taxi operators, hoteliers and restaurant owners to ensure that devotees and tourists are provided services at fair and reasonable prices.
The Chief Minister said, "Dev Deepawali is not only a festival of faith but also a reflection of Kashi's hospitality and the efficiency of its administration. Maximum participation of local residents should be ensured in the celebrations. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that devotees and tourists visiting from across the country and abroad return with an unforgettable and pleasant experience."
