As Dev Deepawali dawns on Wednesday, Varanasi is all set to transform into a luminous canvas of faith and celebration when nearly 25 lakh earthen lamps will light up the ghats of the Ganga.
The city’s ghats, hotels, and markets are buzzing with energy as millions of diyas prepare to light up the sacred banks of the Ganga. With tourists pouring in from across India and abroad, Kashi’s economy is witnessing a festive boom — from packed hotels and skyrocketing boat rentals to brisk business in handicrafts, sweets, and flower markets.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Varanasi Mahotsav Committee, has launched elaborate preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the grand celebration as this year’s theme at Dashashwamedh Ghat will be Operation Sindoor. Diyas, oil, and wicks are being distributed from Raj Ghat, while the ghats and opposite banks have been divided into 20 zones, each monitored by a nodal officer for crowd control and coordination.
Divine start with the echo of Damru and Shankhnaad
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said this year’s Dev Deepawali will begin with the resonant sounds of shankhnaad and damru, representing the cosmic rhythm of Lord Shiva and the heartbeat of Kashi. The major highlight will be the ‘Kashi Katha’ 3D projection mapping and laser show, which will narrate the spiritual and cultural journey of the ancient city.
The 25-minute show will take viewers through Kashi’s timeless story — from the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to the legend of Vishnu’s Chakra Pushkarini Kund. It will also showcase the teachings of Lord Buddha, the wisdom of saints Kabir and Tulsidas, and the foundation of Banaras Hindu University by Madan Mohan Malaviya.
“The story of Kashi is the story of eternal faith,” Minister Singh said. “Through light, sound, and art, we want every visitor to feel the heartbeat of the city — where devotion flows like the Ganga and every ray of light carries divine grace.”
On the evening of Dev Deepawali, the ‘Kashi Katha’ show will be presented in three sessions — 8.15 pm, 9 pm, and 9.35 pm — free for all visitors. The high-tech presentation will combine devotion with digital brilliance through 3D visuals, synchronized sound, and laser effects that promise to immerse the audience in Kashi’s mystic charm.
Joint Director (Tourism) Dinesh Kumar said an eight-minute laser sequence will leave spectators spellbound, while a ten-minute eco-friendly fireworks display at 8:00 PM near Ganga Dwar at Kashi Vishwanath Dham will add a burst of color to the night sky.
Tourism boom: Hotel and boat bookings skyrocket
With just hours to go for the grand festival, hotel and boat bookings in Kashi have soared to record highs. A one-night stay at a riverside luxury hotel has shot up to Rs 1.5 lakh, compared to Rs 80,000 last year. Even modest rooms that normally cost ₹800 are now being booked for Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. Almost all hotels near the Ganga ghats are fully booked, with tariffs ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per night. Mid-range hotels in areas like Pandeypur and Cantonment are quoting Rs 35,000 to Rs 70,000 per night, while smaller lodges are charging up to ₹10,000.
Varanasi has around 500 hotels, 450 guest houses, 250 lounges, and over 500 paying guest accommodations — all fully booked. “People had reserved rooms weeks in advance. Most hotels are sold out for November 4, 5 and 6,” said Rahil Mehta, president of the Tourism Welfare Association. “Wherever rooms are available, the prices are exceptionally high.”
Gokul Sharma, president of the Varanasi Hotel Association chips in to say: “Dev Deepawali has become the biggest season for our industry. This year, international bookings started a month in advance. The entire hospitality sector is thriving.”
Boat rentals too are witnessing a sharp rise. Nearly 95 percent of boats are already booked, with none available below Rs 10,000. Decorated double-decker boats and large bajras are fetching between Rs 50,000 and Rs 3 lakh. Smaller boats are priced between Rs20,000 and Rs 50,000, depending on decoration and route.
Boat operators said that this year’s packages include breakfast, live music, and elaborate décor. Luxury cruises such as Alaknanda, Manekshaw, Vivekananda, and Bhagirathi are fully booked, with fares fixed at ₹15,000 per person.
Safety and security at the core
Authorities have declared the ghat zone a no-fly area and banned drone operations. Strict safety rules are in place, including mandatory life jackets and regulated passenger limits. Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal has ordered the deployment of experienced boatmen and well-marked entry and exit routes for crowd movement.
From the glowing ghats to the grand ‘Kashi Katha’ show, from bustling hotels to decorated boats, Varanasi is ready to host the world. As over ten lakh diyas prepare to illuminate the Ganga tomorrow night, Kashi stands poised — radiant, sacred, and alive with the rhythm of devotion.
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