Diwali is a festival of lights that we, as humans, celebrate with great joy. It represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. But did you know that the gods also celebrate Diwali? They do it a bit differently and on a different day.
The gods choose a time when the air is cleaner and the rivers are clearer. On this special day, they descend to the Ghats of Varanasi to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganga. This event is known as Dev Deepawali, or the ‘Diwali of the Gods.’
During Dev Deepawali, the steps leading to the river in Varanasi glow and sparkle, resembling a pathway to the heavens.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Diwali, when it feels like the heavens themselves descend upon the city of Varanasi. This festival honors Lord Shiva, who triumphed over three demons—Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana—together known as Tripurasura.
According to legend, the gods come to Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, every year on Kartik Purnima to celebrate his victory.
In 2024, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi will be celebrated on 15th November 2024
During Dev Deepawali, the entire stretch of the Ganga’s banks is lit up with countless earthen lamps, colorful electric lights, and bright façade lights. The atmosphere is made even more vibrant with cultural activities held at 15 different ghats, adding an extra layer of grandeur to the celebration.
If you’re still unsure about visiting, let us give you 7 compelling reasons why experiencing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi should be on your must-do list.
1. It’s celebrated in a way you’ve never experienced before
To be frank, Dev Deepawali is even more spectacular and grander than you might have imagined. It’s so expansive that trying to take it all in at once is nearly impossible. The preparations for this one- or two-hour celebration begin weeks in advance, making it a truly monumental event.
2. The city becomes lively
Keep in mind, while Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in Varanasi with its own unique significance, the real magic unfolds during Dev Deepawali. Devotees from around the world flock to the Ghats to perform rituals, making it an incredible spectacle. If you want to experience the rich tapestry of India’s diverse culture, this is the perfect time to visit.
It will reduce the negativity within you
As you may already know, Deepawali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and Dev Deepawali shares the same essence. Simply being in Varanasi during this time can cleanse your mind and wash away negativity in an instant. This is the power of India’s most spiritual city—Varanasi. You’ll find a deep sense of peace and purity within yourself.
Millions of earthen lamps on the banks of the Ganges create a breathtaking view
During Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, over a million earthen oil lamps illuminate the houses, buildings, streets, ghats, and riverbanks. The view from a boat is nothing short of divine, as it feels like you’re gazing at a star-studded stairway to heaven. The Ganges becomes truly magical, with moonlight reflecting off the water and oil lamps glowing all around.
The Ganga Aarti during Dev Deepawali is an unforgettable experience
Although aartis are performed daily at the ghats, the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat during Dev Deepawali is the most grand and elaborate of them all. Twenty-one Brahmin priests hold multi-tiered aarti lamps and perform rituals in front of the Ganges, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras, the beating of drums, and the blowing of conch shells. This unforgettable experience will leave a lasting impression on you.
Must-see cultural events during Ganga Mahotsav
The Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day celebration that culminates on the day of Dev Deepawali. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing live performances by musical maestros like Zakir Hussain or Amjad Ali Khan, this is your chance. The soothing classical music will transport you to another world entirely. The festival also showcases the talents of several folk artists, with dance styles like Odissi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam performed in all their splendor during Dev Deepawali.
Winter is the ideal time to visit Varanasi
The Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day celebration that culminates on the day of Dev Deepawali. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing live performances by musical maestros like Zakir Hussain or Amjad Ali Khan, this is your chance. The soothing classical music will transport you to another world entirely. The festival also showcases the talents of several folk artists, with dance styles like Odissi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam performed in all their splendor. For those exploring North India tour packages, experiencing Dev Deepawali and the Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi is an unforgettable highlight.
If you are planning to explore Dev Deepawali and the Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi, then you can book North India tour packages for an unforgettable experience.
