Varanasi - Dev Diwali Celebration

Dev Deepavali is celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Poornima when the Ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps). Dev Deepavali, celebrated on the fifteenth day of Diwali, is a tribute to river Ganga by the people of Varanasi. Dev Deepavali is held on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (also known as Kartik Purnima) and is observed with great fanfare and feasts. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali, the Gods descend on Earth. It is interesting to note that the Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with the Jain light festival and Guru Nanak Jayanti.

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.