Dev Diwali History

Dev Diwali is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Kartik in a traditional Hindu calendar and is the Diwali of the Devas or Gods. Dev Diwali 2012 date is November 28 and it is an important festival in Gujarat and other parts of North India. Tulsi Vivah ritual comes to end on the day.

Please note that in some regions Dev Diwali is observed on the first day of Margashirsh month especially in Maharashtra.

Dev Diwali also marks the end of the Diwali celebrations. An important ritual on the day is the lighting of Diyas (lamps) after the sighting of the moon.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikunta, his abode, on this day after the Vamana incarnation and visiting King Bali.

Another legend has it that Lord Shiva killed three demons, who spreading Adharma and killing innocent people, and destroyed the three cities built by the demons on Dev Diwali day. Therefore the day is also known as Tripurari Purnima.

This festival is dedicated to River Ganga and devotees pay their tribute to Ganga Mata. It is believed that on Dev Deepavali, Gods descend on Earth.

During Dev Diwali, a cultural festival called ‘Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated in Varanasi. Prabodhini Ekadashi is the important day in these celebrations. Large number of people throngs to Dasaswamedh Ghat to witness the event.

Kartik Snan and Deepdaan are main rituals performed during Dev Diwali. At the time of sunrise devotees do Kartik Snan and in the evenings they perform Deepotsav. Deepotsav is lightening Diyas or earthen lamps.

Deepotsav is an eye-catching celebration on Dev Deepavali day. ‘Ganga Aarti is the grand event to participate on this day. Large number of people performs Aarti to Ganga Mata amidst the multitude prayers and mantras.

History of Diwali

India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of fervor and fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's life. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.


The second day is Amavasya and according to the legends Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, was incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi. From that day she is worshipped as the symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also said that on this very day Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi from the prison of Demon king bali and for that reason Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the day of Diwali. The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Whereas according to legends it is also said that Lord Rama returned from exile to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. Goddess Kali is also worshipped during this time.