Label: Top Attraction
Tags: Fairs & Festivals
Date: Full Moon of Kartik Month (November)
Significance: Tripura Purnima & Worship of Shiva
Celebrations: Gods' descent to the Ganga ghats and Ganga Aarti
Overview
Dev Deepawali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods, is a spectacular festival held in Varanasi, 15 days after the traditional Diwali. Celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik month, this festival honors Lord Shiva and marks the descent of the Gods to the Ganga ghats. The city is illuminated with thousands of diyas, transforming Varanasi into a shimmering realm of divine light.
Highlights of Dev Deepawali
- Ganga Snan (Holy Bath): Devotees flock to the ghats at dawn for a ritualistic dip in the Ganges, accompanied by chanting and incense offerings.
- Lighting of Diyas: As night falls, the ghats and temples glow with thousands of oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight along the river.
- Grand Ganga Aarti: The main event is the stunning Ganga Aarti, held on all the ghats, with Dashashwamedh Ghat being the focal point.
- Special Ceremonies: The festival includes rituals like Kartik Snan (holy bath) and Deepdan (offering lamps to the river).
- Ganga Mahotsav: Coinciding with Dev Deepawali, this five-day cultural festival showcases Varanasi's heritage through music, boat races, and traditional arts.
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and celebration, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
