The Festival of Dev Deepawali: Celebrating Diwali on the Ghats of Varanasi
India is a land of festivals, and Diwali is one of the most significant and celebrated festivals of India. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm and fervor. However, the celebration of Diwali in Varanasi, a holy city located in the northern part of India, is unique and different from other parts of India.
Varanasi is famous for its Ghats, which are steps leading down to the river Ganges. Dev Deepawali is a festival celebrated in Varanasi that signifies the celebration of Diwali on the Ghats of Varanasi.
In this post, we will discuss the festival of Dev Deepawali and how it is celebrated in Varanasi.
History and Significance of Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which falls in November or December. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities of the demon Tripurasur, which were made of gold, silver, and iron, respectively.
The destruction of these cities brought an end to the evil reign of Tripurasur, and the victory of Lord Shiva is celebrated on the day of Dev Deepawali.
Another legend associated with Dev Deepawali is that Lord Vishnu took a dip in the river Ganges on this day. It is believed that on this day, the Gods descend to the Ghats of Varanasi to take a dip in the holy river Ganges. Hence, the festival of Dev Deepawali is also known as the Diwali of the Gods.
Celebrations of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
The festival of Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi with great enthusiasm and fervor. The celebrations start on the day of Kartik Purnima, which is the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day, devotees take a dip in the holy river Ganges and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and other deities.
On the day of Dev Deepawali, the Ghats of Varanasi are decorated with thousands of diyas (lamps) and candles, which are lit up after sunset. The entire stretch of the Ghats, which are over 80 in number, is lit up, creating a beautiful sight to behold.
The light of the diyas and candles reflects on the river Ganges, creating a beautiful aura. The atmosphere is filled with the fragrance of incense sticks, and the sound of the mantras being chanted by the priests creates a spiritual and serene environment.
During the festival of Dev Deepawali, the Ghats of Varanasi witness various cultural programs, such as classical music and dance performances. Many street vendors sell various traditional sweets and snacks, which are relished by locals and tourists alike.
One of the major attractions of Dev Deepawali is the Ganga Aarti, which is a ritual of worshipping the river Ganges. The Ganga Aarti takes place every day at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, but during the festival of Dev Deepawali, the Ganga Aarti is grander and more elaborate.
The Ganga Aarti is performed by a group of priests, who offer prayers to the river Ganges by lighting lamps and incense sticks. The devotees also offer diyas and flowers to the river Ganges during the Ganga Aarti.
The festival of Dev Deepawali is a unique and beautiful celebration of Diwali on the Ghats of Varanasi. The festival is a celebration of the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur, and it is also known as the Diwali of the Gods.
The festival is celebrated in the Ghats of Varanasi, which are decorated with thousands of diyas and candles, creating a beautiful sight to behold. The Ganga Aarti, which is a ritual of worshipping the river Ganges, is performed during the festival of Dev Deepawali, and it is grander and more elaborate than the regular Ganga Aarti.
Dev Deepawali is not only a festival but also a cultural and spiritual experience. The festival brings together people from all walks of life, and it is an opportunity for locals and tourists to experience the rich culture and traditions of India. The festival is a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is a reminder to people to always choose the path of righteousness and to spread love and positivity in the world.
Final remarks
In conclusion, the festival of Dev Deepawali is a beautiful celebration of Diwali on the Ghats of Varanasi. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is a reminder to people to always choose the path of righteousness.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, and it is an opportunity for people to experience the rich culture and traditions of India. If you ever get a chance to visit Varanasi during the festival of Dev Deepawali, do not miss the opportunity to witness the beautiful celebration of light and positivity.