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An evening of Dev Deepawali on the Ganges, from the ghats of Ramnagar Fort. Reserve in a few steps.
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Who's sailing?
Akashganga Royal Experience (Festival + Cruise)
Tuesday, 24 November 2026 · Boarding 16:15
Before you book
When is Dev Deepawali in 2026?
Dev Deepawali 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November — Kartik Purnima, the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. It's celebrated roughly fifteen days after Diwali and is unique to Varanasi, where over a million earthen lamps are lit across all 84 ghats.
What is Akashganga?
Akashganga is a Dev Deepawali experience hosted at Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi, combining a guided fort and museum tour, artisan craft workshops, live classical music and Kathak, a 4-hour private cruise past all 84 illuminated ghats from the fort's own private ghat, and a Banarasi-themed dinner. It's held under the patronage of the royal family of Banaras.
How is Akashganga different from a regular Dev Diwali boat ride?
Most Dev Diwali boat rides are a 2-3 hour trip from a public, crowded ghat. Akashganga is a full-day experience starting at Ramnagar Fort — a genuine 18th-century royal residence — with private ghat boarding, a longer 4-hour cruise, live cultural performances, a heritage tour, and a themed dinner, all within one ticket.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Guests board from Ramnagar Fort's own private ghat on the eastern bank of the Ganges, opposite Varanasi's main ghats — away from the public crowds, with a clear, front-row view of all 84 illuminated ghats from the water.
How much does Akashganga cost?
The Royal Experience — festival access plus the private cruise — is published at ₹24,999 and is currently ₹16,999 per person, inclusive of GST. An optional Fine Dining upgrade at Ganga Mahal is also available for small groups. Seats are limited, so early booking is advised.
Is Ramnagar Fort easy to reach from Varanasi city?
Ramnagar Fort sits on the eastern bank of the Ganges, roughly 20-30 minutes from central Varanasi and the main ghats by road. Akashganga guests receive check-in and arrival details after booking.
What's included in the Akashganga ticket?
A guided tour of Ramnagar Fort and its museum, an artisan handicraft session, live cultural performances and hi-tea, the 4-hour private cruise with front-row Ganga Aarti viewing and fireworks, and a Banarasi-themed dinner back at the fort.
Is Akashganga suitable for families and older guests?
Yes — the fort tour, cruise, and dining areas are designed for comfort with seating throughout, and the private ghat and controlled boarding process are notably easier for families, older guests, and anyone who finds Varanasi's public ghats on Dev Deepawali too crowded. Boarding does require climbing stairs, so guests must be able to manage stairs independently or with someone accompanying them.
How do I book Akashganga 2026?
Book directly at theakashganga.co.in/book, or reach the team at reservations@theakashganga.co.in or +91-7985459865 / +91-8318357773. A deposit secures your seats, with the balance due in stages before the event.
Who hosts Akashganga at Ramnagar Fort?
Akashganga is hosted under the patronage of the royal family of Banaras, whose ancestral seat Ramnagar Fort has been for nearly three centuries. It's jointly run by Kashi Riders and Ghat Travels.