Dev Diwali: History And Significance Of Varanasi’s Festival Of Lights

We all know that Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated primarily in India and also in other parts of the world. But have you heard of Dev Diwali? If you go by the name, Dev Diwali is also a holy festival of lights celebrated by Lord Shiva’s devotees. Dev Diwali is celebrated every year in the auspicious city of Varanasi.

It is believed that on this day the Devas (Gods) come down from heaven on the Ghats of Varanasi to celebrate their part of Diwali. Interesting right? The festival can also be witnessed in Gujarat and other northern states of India.

What is Dev Diwali?

Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali is the “Diwali of the Gods”. It is a holy festival celebrated in Varanasi in a grand way. The victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura, the demon to save heaven is celebrated as Dev Deepawali. Therefore, the day is also hailed as Tripurari Purnima or Tripurotsav.

When is Dev Diwali Celebrated?

The Dev Deepawali festival is celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 15 days after Diwali. It is usually celebrated during the month of November-December in the Gregorian calendar.

Dev Diwali date this year- Dev Diwali 2023 will be celebrated on 27th November. As per the Drikpanchang, the Purnima Tithi starts at noon on 26th November 2023 and ends at 2:26 pm on 19th November 2023. During the Pradosh Mahurat, the Puja takes place.

Important Timings On Dev Diwali 2023

History of Dev Diwali

15 days after the festival of Diwali, on the full moon of the Hindu month Kartik, Dev Diwali is celebrated in Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology, a demon named Tripurasur was killed by the Hindu god Shiva on this day. Dev Deepawali is a festival that is celebrated to mark the triumph of Lord Shiva over the devil. The festival also celebrates the birth anniversary of the son of Shiva, Lord Kartik.

It is believed that every year the Hindu gods descend from heaven on this day to celebrate victory. The Varanasi Ghats are lit beautifully to welcome the gods with millions of earthen diyas. Lighting the diyas started in 1985 on Dev Diwali at the Panchganga Ghat.

How is Dev Diwali celebrated?

• This religious ceremony is started by chanting the holy Vedic mantras by the priests.
• On Dev Diwali, millions of earthen lamps or diyas are lit by the devotees on the River Ganga’s ghats covering Raj Ghat to the Ravidas Ghat at the southern end. In honour of Goddess Ganga, they perform ‘deepdan’ (offering oil lamps).
• With the diyas and sparkling firecrackers, the devotees welcome and please the Gods and Goddesses.
• ‘Ganga aarti’ is performed by devoted 24 Brahmin Priests along with 24 girls.

• The devotees also gather to take a dip in the holy Ganges offering pooja, locally called the ‘Kartik Snan’. It is believed that taking a dip in the sacred Ganga washes away sins and brings prosperity.
• Varanasi is believed to become a gods’ heavenly abode on Dev Diwali. It is the last day of Ganga Mahotsav.
• Rangoli (colourful designs) are made on the front doors. ‘Akhand Ramayana’ is organized in several houses in Varanasi, and bhogs are offered.
• In the evening, huge processions of decorated deities are taken out on the streets of Varanasi which look beautiful.
• Cultural programmes by famous personalities of Varanasi are held after the event. Dance performances also take place.

During Dev Deepawali, Varanasi becomes a center of the major tourist attractions

The sight of thousands of diyas floating in the river and lighting the Ghats is a breathing sight one can witness. Boat rides in the evening are popular after all the Ghats are decorated with lamps and aarti takes place. Witnessing the festival from a boat will give you a breathtaking sight.

The patriotic significance of Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali is a significant religious festival, but it also has a patriotic significance. On this day the city remembers the martyrs. During this occasion, a program is organized by the Ganga Seva Nidhi. On the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, garlands are laid at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. After this, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force officers perform at the closing ceremony. The Bhagirath Shourya Samman Awards are also given.

How to Reach Varanasi to witness this festival?

Varanasi, also known as Banaras is a renowned religious location. Every year, the city attracts many tourists and foreign visitors from different parts of India. The city is well connected by Rail, Road, and Air.

Air: The Varanasi Airport known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, is located just 18 km from the city center and well connected with major Indian cities.

Rail: The city has two main railway stations, the Varanasi Junction or the Varanasi Cantt and Kashi Railway Station.

Road: Varanasi has good connectivity by road with major cities like Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Patna, and Ranchi. The city is well-maintained National Highways 2, 7, 29, and 56.