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Tourists heading to Varanasi, also called Banaras, to witness the Dev Diwali festival in 2024 can expect high expenses, especially for the unique experience of viewing the celebrations from a cruise on the Ganges River. Dev Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, a significant day when it is believed that the gods descend to Earth to illuminate the banks of the Ganges with millions of lamps. The spectacle draws thousands of visitors each year, with the banks lighting up in a beautiful display, but the cost of this experience is reaching record levels.
One of the primary attractions for tourists during Dev Diwali is the chance to see the festival from the Ganges itself. However, this year, cruise prices have soared. The Alaknanda cruise, for instance, is charging ₹100 per minute. This means a 150-minute cruise costs a hefty ₹15,000, which is already sold out days before the festival. Many tourists are eager to reserve a spot on the cruise, even with the high price, to get the best view of the 1.7 million lamps that will light up the riverbanks.
Rahul Mehta, President of the Tourism Welfare Society, shared that the festival is expected to bring around 10 lakh (1 million) visitors to Varanasi this year. Hotels and lodges in the city are nearly fully booked, with tourists willing to pay extra to be part of this grand event. Besides the cruise rides, additional attractions like a laser show and a fireworks display will add to the lively atmosphere along the river.
However, it is not only the Alaknanda cruise that is pricey. Other boat services on the Ganges are also charging between ₹70 and ₹90 per minute, making Dev Diwali an expensive outing for those wanting to experience it from the river. Typically, a cruise on the Ganges costs around ₹1,000, so the festival prices represent a major increase. Some visitors see this as taking advantage of tourists, but many are willing to pay to be part of the extraordinary celebration.
Apart from the high costs of viewing the event from the water, tourists also need to be aware of new security measures in place. From midnight on November 12 to midnight on November 16, Varanasi will be under a no-fly zone. This restriction, enforced by local authorities, means that no aerial objects like drones, kites, balloons, or other aircraft will be allowed over the city unless approved in advance. With a large crowd and many VIPs expected for Dev Diwali, the Additional Police Commissioner, Shivasimpi Channappa, has confirmed strict measures to maintain security during the festival.
This no-fly rule falls under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 163, which allows urgent measures in situations where safety could be compromised. This regulation replaces the previous Section 144 of the CrPC, showing that officials are highly focused on keeping the event peaceful and secure for everyone attending.
Dev Diwali in Varanasi promises to be a beautiful yet expensive experience, especially for those seeking to view it from the river. While the costs for cruises and accommodations have risen, the festival's spiritual significance and the breathtaking views of millions of lamps keep drawing crowds to the city each year.
