Dev Deepawali is just around the corner on November 5, 2025. The grand festival, also known as the ‘Diwali of Gods’ is a prominent Hindu festival in most parts of India. However, to best experience it, you must head to Varanasi – or the ancient city of Kashi. With millions of earthen lamps (diyas) lit up along the 84 ghats of Varanasi, the spectacular sight particularly attracts photographers from all corners of the world. If you’re a photographer too, these are the best ghats to capture the spell-binding sights of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi!
Varanasi Dev Deepawali Photography Guide: 7 Best Ghats To Visit
1. Meer Ghat
Meer Ghat is one of the more underrated ghats of Varanasi. It was christened ‘Meer’ Ghat in the memory of the Muslim commander, Meer Rustam Ali. The ghat is home to the spiritually significant Jarasandhesvara and Vrdhaditya temples as well as the Visvesvara Temple. There is also a sacred well that is encircled by five small temples nearby. This ghat offers a much spectacular view of the Dev Deepawali celebrations and is just a 5-minute walk away from the more popular Manikarnika Ghat.
2. Chet Singh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat is another important yet lesser-known ghat on the banks of the mighty Ganga. This ghat is fortified and has an interesting history dating back to the late 1700s. The area nearby served as an erstwhile battleground for Warren Hastings and Chet Singh’s troops in 1781. The latter also built a small fortress at the ghat to seek refuge, however, the British captured both the fortress and the ghat after his defeat. It is located about a 7-minute walk away from the popular Assi Ghat, serving as a less crowded ghat to capture Dev Deepawali in all its glory.
3. Ravidas Ghat
The third ghat in our list of the best ghats for Varanasi Dev Deepawali photography guide is the largest of its kind and lies at the southern end of Varanasi. It is named after the 15th-century saint-poet Guru Ravidas who was born nearby. It is comparatively quieter and less crowded than many other ghats. Along with being one of the more calmer ghats, it holds immense spiritual significance among followers of the Bhakti movement.
4. Lalita Ghat
While Lalita Ghat isn’t as underrated or less-explored compared to many others on this list, it is definitely one of the best to capture the Dev Deepawali celebrations. It was established in the 19th century by the King of Nepal, with the wooden temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu here reflecting traditional Nepali architecture. The ghat is strategically located between popular ghats like Manikarnika Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, so skip the crowd at these places and come to Lalita Ghat instead.
5. Rajghat
Rajghat is where the old and the new remnants of Varanasi converge, offering a unique glimpse of the city’s past. During Dev Deepawali, the ghat gets illuminated in thousands of diyas and floating lanterns, turning the pitch black sky into a dotted canvas of ephemeral lights. If you’re looking for a quieter ghat, especially in the northern end of the ghats of Varanasi, this place is right for you!
6. Panchganga Ghat
‘Panchganga’ literally translates to ‘confluence of five rivers’ – this is where the ancient Skanda Purana says that rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutpapa met. As the ghat has mentions in ancient Hindu texts, it is considered an especially sacred ghat in Varanasi. Also did you know that Dev Deepawali celebrations (as we know today) first began here on the Panchganga Ghat? This piece of trivia makes the ghat even more special in the context of this Hindu festival – and definitely a hotspot for curious photographers!
7. Chauki Ghat
This ghat was built in 1790 and is also known as the ‘Buddhist Ghat’. Chauki Ghat is renowned for the giant peepal (ficus religiosa) tree that stands at the top of the ghat steps. Here, plenty of stone ‘nagas’ (snakes) can be found, adding a layer of mystery to the ghat. What’s also worth mentioning is that there is a Naga Kupa (“Snake Well”) located a short distance away from the ghat. During Dev Deepawali, it is a good spot for capturing the festivities if you’re looking for a calmer, less crowded place.
Also Read: Dev Deepawali 2025: Best Ghats, Travel Tips, Accommodation & Full Celebration Guide
Varanasi Photography Guide: Tips For Photography During The Dev Deepawali
- Ensure that your camera has weather sealing or if not, use simple solutions like a plastic bag or shower cap with a cutout hole for the lens. This is essential to protect your camera from the heat of the diyas and lights and any unwarranted rain!
- While there is a different joy in handling your camera without a strap, ensure that you add straps during crowded events like Dev Deepawali. This is to prevent damage, accidental dropping, or even theft of your camera.
- Before you set your camera for capturing Dev Deepawali, consider important photography factors like aperture range, lens size, lens filters, ISO, and others. Knowing your camera’s limitations and working on these factors can help you get the best shots of Dev Deepawali celebrations.
- Study the scene and observe before you capture. Take into account how the event is unfolding and avoid haste. The key to getting the best shots is often patience!
- If you’re keen on recording the Ganga Aarti ceremony, especially from a boat, use longer focal length lenses.
- Reach your desired ghat at least an hour before Dev Deepawali rituals begin. As these begin mostly by 5 PM or 5:30 PM, reach your preferred spot by 4 PM.
- We recommend arriving in Varanasi at least a few days before actual Dev Deepawali. This will allow you to freely scout the different ghats, capture the preparations, and get comfortable with navigating the city.
- Keep your camera gear close to you at all times as the crowd might result in wear-tear, misplacement, or even theft. Also avoid risky valuables like gold jewelry.
Summing Up
Dev Deepawali 2025 is a spiritual celebration of the grandest kind – set to light up millions of diyas along the historic ghats of Varanasi. The ancient city is set to be decked in golden hues of softly glowing diyas, lanterns, and fireworks and this is a great opportunity for photographers to let their cameras frame the beauty of Varanasi. We’ve listed down the top ghats for Dev Deepawali as well as important tips in this Varanasi photography guide – and we hope you have a great time documenting this anticipated festival!
