Ganga Mahaotsav is a 5-day festival, held on the banks of Ganga in Varanasi, is celebrated every year from Prabodhani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima (This year from 10 Nov 2016 to 14 Nov 2016*). The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi.
The event also coincides with Dev Deepawali the festival of lights at Varanasi. On Dev Deepavali (full moon day) it is said that God descends from heaven to bathe in the Ganga. On this occasion amidst chanting of Vedic hymns people light diyas (earthen lamps) and burst firecrackers in welcome.
* Kartik Purnima - Dev Deepavali : Mon, 14 November 2016