When the Gods Descend to Celebrate Deepawali

Varanasi is known for the cultural and spiritual vibe that it emits through its many temples and pious ghats. But the aura magnifies during a special festival called Dev-Deepawali. Read along to know about this fascinating Hindu celebration.

Once in a year the city of temples, Varanasi, lights up with a million earthen lamps and radiates a divine aura and all one wants to do is soak in the positivity and absorb all that the glowing city has to offer. If you wish to view Varanasi in such a captivating form, plan your Varanasi city tour during the glorious occasion of Dev-Deepawali. If you’re wondering it’s the same as Deepawali, there’s a lot more to it and we’re here to fill you in about the event so that for your next holiday, you know exactly where to head to.

 How is this any different from Deepawali?

Dev-Deepawali or ‘Deepawali of the Gods’ is a grand festival that takes place exactly 15 days after Deepawali on a full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartika. It is celebrated in Varanasi and if legends are to be believed, it’s the day when gods descend to the ghats of Varanasi and dive in the Ganga River to take a holy bath. It is for this reason that on the day of Dev-Deepawali, Varanasi experiences a massive footfall with people from around the globe taking a tour to Varanasi to revel in the festivities and seek the blessings of Gods. With every nook and corner of the city gleaming with the light of the earthen lamps, the occasion adds to the beauty and glory of Varanasi.

What do the myths say?

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva defeated the malicious demon Tripurasur on the day of Kartik Purnima or the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik and in order to celebrate this victory of good over evil, diyas were lighted and all the devotees of lord Shiva joined in the festivities. This day was deemed Dev-Deepawali which is also known as Tripurotsav because of the legend attached to it.

 Rituals that make up the festival a charming affair

Dev-Deepawali is a grand occasion in Varanasi that incorporates elaborate rituals that make the festival all the more attractive for locals and foreigners, alike. The divine progressions begin with a kartik snan which involves diving into the holy river Ganga for cleansing one’s impurities and getting pure for the rituals that follow. The divine rites take place in the Dashashwamedh Ghat which is one of the most popular places to visit in Varanasi. The other significant customary step is deepdaan wherein lit lamps are offered to the river Ganga. This picturesque sight of floating lamps on the glistening river adds to the beauty of the place. This is followed by one of the most renowned Varanasi attractions i.e. Ganga Aarti. The assimilation of all these pious progressions makes the festival one of the most splendid occasions of the year. It’s this interesting mix of culture and religion that makes Dev-Deepawali a unique and fascinating event.

So, if engaging with India’s vibrant culture and interesting festivals speaks to you, make this Deewali all the more bright by celebrating it with your loved ones in the holy city of Varanasi and while you are at it, wait for a fortnight more and be a part of this grand festival as well.