Dev Deepawali 2024: Celebrating the Divine Festival of Lights in Varanasi
Dev Deepawali, the grand and spiritually significant festival, will be observed on Friday, November 15, 2024. This sacred occasion holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, particularly in the holy city of Varanasi, where it is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion.
The Pradoshakal Dev Deepawali Muhurat for 2024 will be from 5:10 PM to 7:47 PM, lasting for a duration of 2 hours and 37 minutes. The auspicious Purnima Tithi begins at 6:19 AM on November 15, 2024, and concludes at 2:58 AM on November 16, 2024.
Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, is a festival that commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur (त्रिपुरासुर). This victory is celebrated as part of the Tripurotsav, also referred to as Tripurari Purnima, which falls on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima.
On this day, thousands of devotees gather to observe religious rituals, including taking a sacred dip in the holy Ganges River. The atmosphere in Varanasi becomes truly magical as the evening approaches. As the sun sets, devotees light earthen lamps or diyas along the riverfront, illuminating the Ghats and temples of the city with a divine glow. The banks of the Ganges, from early evening until night, come alive with the flickering of millions of small lamps, creating a breathtaking sight that reflects the deep spirituality and cultural heritage of Varanasi.
The celebration is not just a display of lights but also a profound symbol of victory over darkness, both literal and spiritual. The lighting of lamps signifies the triumph of good over evil and the eternal light of divine blessings. The entire city is bathed in the warm, golden light of the diyas, as temples and ghats join in the vibrant display, making Dev Deepawali a truly enchanting and unforgettable festival.
This grand Utsav, marked by its unique blend of spirituality, tradition, and devotion, draws pilgrims and visitors from all corners of the world to witness the splendor of Kartik Purnima in the city of Varanasi. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration of divine light.
Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, is a spectacular festival celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik. This festival takes place 15 days after Diwali, marking the final day of the Ganga Mahotsav, which begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi (the 11th day of Kartik). This year, Dev Deepawali will fall on November 15 and coincides with both Guru Nanak Jayanti and the Jain Light Festival, making it a particularly significant day.
Distinct from Diwali, Dev Deepawali holds its own place of honor in the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Varanasi. Known as the “City of Light,” Varanasi attracts travelers and spiritual seekers from around the globe, drawn to the banks of the sacred Ganges River to meditate, seek peace, and experience its ancient temples. During Dev Deepawali, the city transforms into a divine landscape, as if the heavens themselves have descended, with every ghat and temple adorned in twinkling diyas (earthen lamps).
Dev Deepawali Celebrations in Varanasi
Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi are steeped in traditional rituals. The festivities begin with Ganesh Vandana, where prayers and flowers are offered to Lord Ganesh, followed by “Deepdaan”—the ceremonial lighting of diyas. This sacred act is performed by 21 Brahmins and 41 young girls as Vedic mantras resonate in the background. Many devotees also take a purifying dip in the Ganges, known as the Kartik Snan, to cleanse themselves of past sins. Rituals like Akhand Ramayan (the continuous recitation of the Ramayana) are held in homes, followed by community feasts called Bhoj, where food is shared in a spirit of devotion and camaraderie.
Dev Deepawali also pays tribute to India’s martyrs. At the Dashashwamedh and Rajendra Prasad ghats, a patriotic ceremony is organized by Ganga Seva Nidhi to honor these heroes. Police officers and members of India’s armed forces lay wreaths and sing patriotic songs in remembrance, adding a profound layer of gratitude and pride to the celebrations.
Lighting Up the Ghats with Thousands of Diyas
During Dev Deepawali, the ghats along the Ganges are illuminated with countless diyas, creating a mesmerizing scene that feels as though the stars themselves have touched the riverbanks. Tradition says that on this day, the gods descend to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges, making this a deeply auspicious time. Both locals and tourists gather to witness the magnificent aarti, where priests perform a ritual of worship with fire and song, set against the backdrop of the glowing river. This enchanting display is both magical and unforgettable.
The Grand Ganga Aarti: A Highlight of Dev Deepawali
The most ornate and spectacular ceremony of the year is the Ganga Aarti on Dev Deepawali. Crowds flock to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where devotees and visitors experience a spiritually charged atmosphere unlike any other. Nearby, the evening aarti at Assi Ghat also draws a large crowd, as do Reeva, Man Mandir, Kedar, and Panch Ganga ghats. Each of these locations is alight with countless diyas, creating a visual splendor across the city.
The Ganga Mahotsav: A Cultural Extravaganza
The Ganga Mahotsav, a five-day festival beginning on Prabodhini Ekadashi, celebrates the cultural richness of Varanasi and the blessings of the Ganges River. Originally held at Dashashwamedh Ghat and now at Ravidas Ghat, this festival features performances by renowned artists, musicians, and dancers, including maestros like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Chhanulal Mishra, Birju Maharaj, and Anuradha Paudwal. The festival becomes a cultural showcase, highlighting the unique traditions and artistic heritage of Varanasi.
A Food Lover’s Haven at Ganga Mahotsav
Ganga Mahotsav is also a paradise for food lovers, featuring an array of Banarasi delights, including chaat, Bati Chokha, Mughlai specialties, and even international options. Visitors can savor these delicacies while immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural activities.
Planning Your Visit to Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
If you’re planning to experience Dev Deepawali, book your accommodations well in advance, as hotels fill up quickly. A boat trip down the Ganges on the evening of Dev Deepawali provides a stunning view of the lit ghats. For budget travelers, hostels like Zostel provide an ideal base to explore the city.
With its unique crescent shape following the river’s bend, Varanasi is especially enchanting during Dev Deepawali. Crossing to the opposite bank provides a panoramic view of the 84 lit ghats, a sight you’ll remember for a lifetime. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is an experience that deeply resonates, leaving visitors with a lasting sense of awe and reverence.
click BB