Dev Diwali
Ramnagar – Varanasi
3 NIGHTs / 4 DAYS
The land of many cultures and rich traditions, India is a visual delight for the visitors. This 4-days program gives an insight into the cultural heritage of Varanasi during the festivities of Dev Diwali.
ANTARA DESTINATION DISCOVERIES
The epitome of elegance and luxury, Ganges Voyager offers travel experiences beyond a regular journey. It’s a special cruise indulging in the Dev Diwali celebrations on the the most holiest part of the Ganges River
Varanasi, Embarkation (L/D)
DAY 1
Arrival at the Varanasi airport and transfer to the Ramnagar Jetty for embarkation. The
Ramnagar Jetty is located 14 km to the east of Varanasi, across the Ganges River on its eastern bank.
Welcome onboard and enjoy lunch, followed by Safety Briefing.
Varanasi, known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India,
and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial centre, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.
Welcome Dinner.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Varanasi Sightseeing
DAY 2
Morning after breakfast, visit the Ramnagar Fort and Palace by local vehicles. The Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi. Built in the 18th century with creamy chunar sandstone the architecture is typically Mughal style with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. It has been the home of the traditional ruler, the Kashi Naresh. The King and his family still reside in the premises. The museum has a rare collection of American vintage cars, bejeweled sedan chairs, an impressive weaponry hall and a rare astrological clock. In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten manuscript by Goswami Tulsidas. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers are also part of the collections.
Return to the ship for lunch. Later, we sail onward to Varanasi viewing the various “ghats” the steps along the river bustling with devotees offering prayers and folks immersed in various activities.
The ship anchors in the river.
In the evening ride the country boat to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honor the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.
Return to ship for Dinner.
Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Varanasi Dev Diwali Festival
DAY 3
In the morning after breakfast, we walk along the Ghats to see the preparations for the Dev Diwali Festival.
Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Notable being the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, the last is where Hindus cremate their dead. From Manikarnika Ghat we walk through the recently developed Kashi Corridor up to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Stroll in the Vishwanath Gali (street), and experience the hustle and bustle of devotees and road side vendors. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.
Return to the ship for lunch.
Late afternoon, sail along the Ghats to experience the fervour of this special festival. (Note: sailing will be subject to permissions from the local authorities due to festival restrictions). Dev Diwali ("the Diwali of the Gods" or "Festival of Lights of the Gods") is a special festival that is celebrated in the city of Varanasi and the surrounding region. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (November – December) and takes place fifteen days after Diwali. The steps of all the Ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River, are lit with more than a million
earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of the Ganges. Mythologically, the gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and coloured designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river. Return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas
Varanasi Dev Diwali Festival
DAY 4
Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.
