Dev Deepawali

Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

#41 Among Things To Do in Varanasi

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Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Fairs & Festivals

Date : Full Moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar

Significance : Tripura Purnima or worship of Shiva

Celebrations : Gods descent to the Ganga ghats at Varanasi and aarti for the Ganga River

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Dev Deepawali, Varanasi Overview

Dev Deepavali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods, is a grand celebration that unfolds in the sacred city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Taking place fifteen days after the popular festival of Diwali, Dev Deepavali is a unique manifestation of devotion, spirituality, and a spectacular display of lights that transforms the spiritual capital of India into a realm of divine radiance.

Dev Deepavali is observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in November. This day is significant as it marks Tripura Purnima, signifying the worship of Lord Shiva. The celebrations are intensified as it is believed that on this day, the Gods descend to the Ganga ghats at Varanasi, making it a spiritually charged occasion.

The preparations for Dev Deepavali start well in advance. The ghats along the Ganges are meticulously cleaned, and the entire city is adorned with lights and decorations. Beautiful rangolis, intricate designs made with colored powders, embellish the streets, adding to the festive charm.

1. Ganga Snan (Holy Bath)

Devotees throng to the ghats of Varanasi before dawn to take a holy dip in the Ganges. The riverbanks come alive with the chanting of hymns, and the air is filled with the fragrance of incense and flo (Read More)wers. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the sacred river on this day cleanses them of sins and fulfills their wishes.

2. Lighting of Lamps and Diyas

As the sun sets, the entire city is illuminated with countless earthen lamps and diyas. The ghats, temples, and homes are lit up, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The soft glow of the lamps reflects (Read More)on the tranquil waters of the Ganges, presenting a divine panorama.

3. Rituals and Ceremonies

One of the highlights of Dev Deepavali is the grand Ganga Aarti, a ceremonial worship of the river Ganges. The aarti takes place on all the ghats of Varanasi, with the main ceremony being held at Dash (Read More)ashwamedh Ghat. Priests perform elaborate rituals, and the rhythmic chants resonate with the beats of traditional instruments.

4. Crowds and Special Ceremonies

Crowds gather to witness the riverside festivities. The main rituals include kartik snan (taking a holy bath in the Ganges during Kartika) and deepdan (offering of oil lighted lamps) to Ganga in the e (Read More)vening. The Ganga aarti is also performed in the evening.

5. Deepdan and Patriotic Commemoration

The festival starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Poornima. Besides religious ceremonies, the festival commemorates martyrs at the ghats with wreaths placed at Amar Jawan Jyoti. The t (Read More)raditional last post is performed by the armed forces, followed by a closing ceremony with sky lamps. Devotees release lamps and wreaths into the Ganges.

6. Attractions

Dev Deepavali attracts visitors from across the globe who come to witness the unique blend of spirituality and festivity. The city's numerous ghats, including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Manika (Read More)rnika Ghat, become focal points for the celebrations.