Pilgrims from all over India gather in Varanasi on the eve of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi. This event coincides with the Jain light festival and Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is a general belief that on the day of the full moon i.e. on Dev Deepavali God descends from Heaven to Earth to bathe in holy Ganges and the Gods are welcomed amidst lights and bursting of crackers. According to a different school of thought Gods observed victory day on Kartik Purnima, to celebrate the death of the demon Tripurasur. Thus this festival is named Dev Deepavali. Mahabharata also has a reference to Dev-Deepavali. Vedic hymns are chanted by priests to please and welcome them.

Uttar Pradesh tourism arranges a four-day Ganga Mahotsav around this period. The official celebration of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi is held on the Dasaswamedh Ghat. To make this occasion eventful various cultural functions are arranged and the river banks are adorned and embellished with lights. The Ganga Aarti forms the most important part of this celebration. Lamps are set ablaze and are flown on the Ganges and this becomes a sight to cherish forever. Dev Deepavali is a celebration of light, joy, spiritual journey and is a living tradition of ancient city Varanasi. Dev Deepavali symbolizes enlightenment, existence of life, sign of immortality, and triumph of good over evil.