Ganga Mahotsav 2026: latest dates and planning status

Current planning window: 20–23 November 2026, followed by Dev Deepawali on 24 November 2026. These dates are based on the latest district-administration schedule reported on 19 August 2026. Programme, venue, entry and traffic details should still be treated as provisional until the administration publishes its final notice.

Source: District-administration schedule reported by The Times of India

Correction to the earlier guide

This page previously stated that Ganga Mahotsav would run 6–8 November, immediately after Dev Deepawali. That was incorrect. Dev Deepawali falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, and the latest reported Ganga Mahotsav plan places the cultural programme before it.

The earlier day-by-day artist programme, ticket prices and booking channels were not supported by an official 2026 announcement, so they have been removed.

What is currently known

Ganga Mahotsav is a Varanasi cultural programme associated with music, dance, crafts and the city's riverfront heritage. For 2026, the reported administrative plan is:

Date	Planning status
20–23 November	Ganga Mahotsav programme window
24 November	Dev Deepawali / Kartik Purnima

Do not assume a specific ghat, artist, seat category, ticket price or nightly schedule until it appears in an official programme.

Before booking

• Ask the hotel or operator whether the booking remains refundable if the official programme changes.
• Verify venues and road diversions shortly before travel.
• Do not buy a “VIP pass” from an unofficial seller.
• Keep 24 November logistics separate: Dev Deepawali has much heavier riverfront restrictions.
• If combining both events, plan a stay covering 20–25 November.

Transport notes

Normal taxis cannot reach every riverfront road during major events. Once the traffic plan is released, confirm the vehicle drop point, walking distance and return pickup area in writing.

Kashi Taxi can arrange ordinary airport, station and hotel transfers. Event-specific access or passes will only be quoted after an official 2026 notification confirms them.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ganga Mahotsav 2026?

The latest reported planning window is 20–23 November 2026. Treat it as provisional until a final official programme is published.

Is Ganga Mahotsav after Dev Deepawali?

Not under the latest 2026 plan. Ganga Mahotsav is scheduled before Dev Deepawali, which falls on 24 November 2026.

Is the artist lineup confirmed?

No official artist lineup was available for this update. Any named lineup should be checked against the final government programme.