By Krn Arora

India is a land of festivals, with thousands of festivals being celebrated here, each alluding to the rich culture, heritage, and history of our country. In the long list of festivals Dev Deepawali stands out as a beautiful cultural and spiritual experience, held in the sacred city of Varanasi. It is a festival everyone should experience at least once. Here are five things you should know about the amazing festival of Dev Deepawali:

The origins and significance of Dev Deepawali:

Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali, also known as “Diwali of the Gods”, is celebrated 15 days after Diwali on Kartik Purnima (the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik). The festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Varanasi being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with major cultural and religious significance, makes for a perfect place for this festival to be rooted in. It is believed that the gods descend to the city and bathe in the holy water of Ganga to celebrate the victory of lord Shiva. The devotees decorate all the ghats of the Ganga with thousands of diyas to welcome them for the same. 

Things to Know About Dev Deepawali Festival

1. Celebrated 15 days after Diwali:

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the Kartik Purnima (the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik). It marks the culmination of the festivities of regular Diwali. It is called “the festival of the gods”, and it is believed that the gods descend to the sacred city of Varanasi to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganga River.

2. Central to Varanasi:

Ganga plays a central role in the festival of Dev Diwali, as it is believed that the gods come down to bathe in the river to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva. All the rituals and festivities revolve around Ganga. The ghats of the Ganga are the heart of Varanasi, providing a perfect place for this amazing festival to be rooted in. Varanasi, being the spiritual capital of the world, provides the perfect place for the festival to be rooted in.

3. Lighting of millions of diyas:

On the day, they prepare thousands of diyas and illuminate the whole stretch of the ghats. The festival officially begins with the Ganga Aarti at the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. Then Aarti is performed at all the 80+ ghats from Assi Ghat to Raj Ghat. The boats in the river provide a unique vantage point to watch all the festivities, diyas floating in the beautiful river,  the vibrant ghats, sky lit up with fireworks. To make the most of the festival, it's best to book your Dev Diwali Boat Ride in Varanasi in advance. Last-minute options are either fully booked or priced much higher due to the surge in demand.

4. Commemorating Lord Shiva's victory:

Dev Diwali commemorates the victory of lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Tripurasura had conquered three worlds, the gods pleaded to lord Shiva as they could not defeat him themselves. Lord Shiva vanquished the demon with a single arrow. In celebration of Lord Shiva’s triumph, the gods descend to the Ghats of Ganga. This occasion is celebrated with grand processions, rituals, fireworks, and famous diyas along the ghats..

5. Birth of Lord Kartikeya:

Dev Diwali also marks the birth of Lord Kartikeya, the warrior son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarakasura. In Varanasi, lord Kartikeya is honored with special prayers and offerings of flowers and sweets. Devotees also perform abhishekam, bathing their idol with milk, honey, and Ganga water, seeking their blessings.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

Dev Diwali is not just a religious and visually stunning event, but it is also a spiritually fulfilling experience that will fill you with gratitude. People take a dip in the Ganga at dawn, believing that it will wash their sins away. Later in the evening, they set diyas afloat on the river in remembrance of their ancestors, this ritual is called “Deepdan”. The festival also pays homage to the armed forces of the nation with grand celebrations at The Martyrs' Memorial at the Rajendra Prasad Ghat. The brave souls who have sacrificed their lives for the country are remembered and celebrated.

Tips and Suggestions:

If you are planning to visit, here are some practical tips that will make your experience better.

●     Book everything in advance, including your stay, sort your Dev Diwali boat ride in Varanasi, and any other service you may need, as everything is either booked or very overpriced due to high demand.

●     Pick a good spot to watch everything, while Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most popular, explore all the ghats and find the less crowded ones where you can enjoy everything comfortably.

●     Carry a shawl or a jacket, as it might get chilly on the boat.

●     Enquire if your pre-booked boats will provide you with refreshments, as you will be on the water for a long time.

●     Dress modestly and respect the customs of the place. Do not get in the way of any rituals, trying to get a perfect picture. Maintain silence during aarti.

●     Carry a good DSLR or a phone with a good camera with a good low-light feature and zoom.

Final thoughts:

Dev Diwali is not just a festival, it is a celebration of life, it is a showcase of faith and resilience. The unwavering spirit of people meets ancient tradition and creates a vibrant collage of festivities. Whether you are religious, spiritually inclined, or just want to explore the vast culture of India, Dev Diwali in Varanasi needs to be on your bucket list.