Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, is a spectacular festival celebrated in Varanasi, India, with great fervor and devotion. Unlike Diwali, which honors the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, hence earning the name “Tripurotsav.” Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik), Dev Deepawali is an extraordinary sight that attracts pilgrims and tourists from across the world.
The festival begins with a holy dip in the River Ganges at dawn. People believe and gather to wash away sins and seek blessings, as the holy river cleanses one’s soul. Pilgrims offer prayers and light thousands of earthen lamps, called diyas, which illuminate the ghats (riverbanks) of Varanasi, creating a mesmerizing display of light. This enchanting view, known as the “Festival of Lights of the Gods,” signifies the arrival of the gods on Earth to bless humanity.
One of the key rituals of Dev Deepawali is the lighting of diyas on all the ghats, a tradition that dates back centuries. The entire riverbank is adorned with countless lamps, which are arranged in intricate patterns by priests, devotees, and volunteers. This beautiful arrangement not only honors the divine but also represents the triumph of light over darkness, purity over impurity, and good over evil. People perform Ganga Aarti, a ritual involving fire offerings, as priests chant Vedic hymns, adding a divine aura to the atmosphere. The Ganga Aarti is a profound experience that connects worshipers to spiritual energies, strengthening their faith and devotion.
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In recent years, Dev Deepawali has grown in popularity, attracting tourists who come to witness the mystical beauty of Varanasi illuminated by the glow of millions of diyas. The festival offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore Varanasi’s ancient traditions and spiritual heritage. The organizers make special arrangements to accommodate the large number of pilgrims, including offering boat rides along the Ganges, which provide a panoramic view of the illuminated ghats. The sight of temples, shrines, and ghats glittering under the night sky, reflected in the calm waters of the Ganges, is truly breathtaking and unforgettable.
Aside from the visual splendor, Dev Deepawali holds a deep spiritual significance for devotees. People believe that lighting diyas will invoke the blessings of the gods, ensuring prosperity, health, and peace for the coming year. By observing this festival, Hindus pay homage to the divine and express gratitude for the blessings received. Many people also use this time to honor deceased family members, praying for their souls’ peace and liberation.
Dev Deepawali is not only a festival of lights but also a celebration of faith, hope, and renewal. The enchanting glow of diyas on the ghats of Varanasi captures the essence of India’s rich spiritual heritage, making it one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. As more people come to experience this divine event, Dev Deepawali continues to shine brightly, symbolizing the eternal light of spirituality and devotion.
