Itinerary
Day 1: Varanasi
Stop At: Dasaswamedh Ghat Road, Varanasi 221001 India
DAY 1: After a comfortable pick up from airport / railway station, you will be taken to your hotel/homestay. If time permits you can visit "Sarnath" where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Evening you will be taken to the ghats of River Ganges to experience the festival of Dew Diwali. Be one with the lights spread by millions of earthen lamps lighted by the thousands of devotees on the "Dev Deepawali" on the auspicious day of "Kartik Purnima" and also light earthen lamps or Diya(s) in the evening. When the dusk sets, the steps of all the Ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges are lit with millions of earthen lamps. Not only the Ghats of Ganges but also all temples of Varanasi are lit with millions of Diya(s). Dev Deepavali is held on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (also known as Kartik Purnima) and is observed with great fanfare and feasts. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali, the Gods descend on Earth. In the evening, pilgrims and local people decorate the entire riverbank with tiny earthen lamps ('Diya'). These lamps are lit as a mark of welcome to the Gods as they descend on earth. The little sparks of fire flicker elegantly and is a wonderful sight to watch. The 'Ganga-Aarti' is an important event in the evening. Almost all Ghats organize their own ceremony. Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns.
Dew Diwali falls on 22 November 2018, hence best time to enjoy this tour is between 20 - 24 November. For rest of the period the usual Aaarti (ceremony) at river Ganges will be shown
Do not get disappointed by the lack of hotel availability in Varanasi on this auspicious day by simply staying with a local family.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: night stay with a local family in a homestay
Day 2: Depart Varanasi
Pass By: Varanasi Junction railway station, maa surge balika intermediate collage, Railwayganj Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, India
DAY 2: In the early morning (05:00), you are picked up from your hotel / lodge, and proceed to Dashashwamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Then, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drop back to the Varanasi airport / railway station.
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.