Ganga Mahotsav
Several days in November, ending on Dev Deepawali (lunar calendar)
Varanasi has a long tradition of classical music, with its own styles of singing, tabla and shehnai. The Ganga Mahotsav, organised by the state tourism department, brings this to the river in the days before Kartik Purnima, with evening concerts of Hindustani music and classical dance on a stage at one of the main ghats.
Alongside the concerts there are craft stalls, boat races and cultural programmes. The festival culminates on Dev Deepawali, when the ghats are lit with lamps. Programmes and venues are announced shortly before the festival and change from year to year, so check current status before you travel.
For music lovers, the Mahotsav adds evening concerts to a November trip timed for Dev Deepawali. We can also arrange private recitals at a ghat-side house or hotel, which are quieter and more intimate than the festival stage.
How to do it well
- Check the programme when it is released, usually a few weeks before.
- Combine with Dev Deepawali and allow four nights in Varanasi.
- Ask us about private recitals for a quieter musical evening.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Ganga Mahotsav?
The Ganga Mahotsav is usually held over several days in November, ending on Kartik Purnima, the night of Dev Deepawali. Exact dates and programmes are announced by Uttar Pradesh tourism each year, often only a few weeks ahead. Check current status before you travel.
What happens at the Ganga Mahotsav?
Evening concerts of Hindustani classical music and classical dance on a stage at the ghats, along with craft stalls, boat races and cultural events. Performers range from well-known names to local artists. The festival leads into Dev Deepawali. We can reserve good positions for the evening concerts as part of a Dev Deepawali journey.
Is the Ganga Mahotsav free to attend?
The main concerts on the ghats are generally free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come basis. Arrive early for good seats. Arrangements change from year to year, so check current status before you travel. A private boat or a ghat-side terrace is a calmer way to listen.
Can I hear classical music in Varanasi outside the festival?
Yes. Varanasi has many classical musicians, and we can arrange a private recital of sitar, tabla or vocal music at a hotel or a ghat-side house. Some music schools also hold small concerts. The Dhrupad Mela, usually held in early spring, is another festival for enthusiasts.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
