Kashi is known for its vibrant festivals and colourful celebrations, and one of the most dazzling events there is Dev Deepawali. We all know that Diwali ranks as one of the most magnificent festivals in the world, and it's only natural that its allure draws even the gods! Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is a celebration that transcends time, culture, and religion, welcoming all to its embrace. Dev Diwali is a celebration of light expressly for the gods, and it takes place on the auspicious day of Kartik Poornima. Observed on Kartik Poornima, this festival is a hallmark event in Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology, Kartik Poornima is an auspicious day when the gods descend from heaven to earth to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges on the ghats of Banaras. This celestial celebration usually takes place a fortnight after Diwali, on the 15th day of the lunar month, Karthik, coinciding with the full moon.
People in Banaras celebrate Dev Deepawali as a festival commemorating the victory of good over evil with vibrant lights, music, and joy. This celebration marks the victory of righteousness over malevolence and is rooted in a legendary story. The story goes that a demon named Tarakasur once had three sons - Tarakasksha, Kamlashksha, and Vidyunmail, collectively known as Tripurasura. These demon brothers were known for their ferocity and brutality. They worshipped Lord Brahma with great devotion. Impressed by their dedication, Lord Brahma granted them a boon: they could only be killed when a single arrow would shoot all three of them together. Little did Brahma know that this was a trick, and the demon brothers had conned him for immortality. With this blessing, the demon trio wreaked havoc and caused destruction all over the world, even attacking heaven itself. The gods, fearing for their existence, implored Lord Shiva to intervene and save them from the terror of Tripurasura. In response to their prayers, Lord Shiva transformed into his fierce form of Tripurantaka, and using a single arrow, he killed the three demon brothers and the three cities they had created in space. The victory of good over evil was so monumental that it was celebrated by illuminating heaven and earth, thus giving birth to the festival of Dev Deepawali. This day is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In South India, this occasion is celebrated in its unique way, adding to the diversity and richness of Indian culture. Witnessing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is like stepping into a fairytale world of lights, devotion, and spirituality.
Dev Deepawali, the festival of gods, is celebrated with unparalleled grandiosity in Varanasi, the holy city of India. The festivities begin with the break of dawn as devotees gather at the banks of the holy river Ganga to take a dip in its sacred waters. The ritual, known as 'Kartik Sanan,' is believed to cleanse the soul and bring prosperity and good fortune. As the day turns to dusk, the real magic of the festival unfolds. Kashi undergoes a dazzling transformation into a display of light and divinity. As the Ganges sparkles, Varanasi comes alive with homes bedecked in rangoli and people dressed in the hues of festivity. From Assi to Rajghat, the streets and alleys come alive with thousands of diyas, deeps, or earthen lamps. No corner is untouched as every boat, ruin, stall, cafe, hotel, and house is adorned with a divine aura. As the sun sets, the river Ganga becomes a shimmering expanse of infinite floating lamps, and devotees perform 'Deep Daan' in honour of Maa Ganga. It's as if you've entered the magical world of the Tangled movie, with twinkling lights everywhere you look! But the most unforgettable moment of the day is undoubtedly the Ganga Aarti. Young Brahmin boys and girls come together to perform this ritual, creating an atmosphere of spiritual bliss that will surely touch your soul. The melodies of Vedic hymns, conch shells, and drums fill the air, and the synchronised movements of the priests and the river Ganga itself are a sight to behold. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is a sensory overload of colours, sounds, and emotions, leaving you in awe of the spiritual grandeur.
The ancient city of Varanasi has embraced modernity while holding onto its rich traditions during the Dev Deepavali celebration. This festival is a time to pay homage to the brave souls who have sacrificed their lives for their country. The Amar Jawan Jyoti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is adorned with beautiful flowers, wreaths, and sparkling lamps as people gather to pay their respects to the fallen heroes. A collective effort of the police, armed forces, colleges, and social organisations arranges the events at Rajghat. During the ceremony, they present the Bhagirath Shourya Samman awards, and patriotic songs and inspiring speeches fill the air. As the event ends, the traditional last post is played, with all three armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) paying their respects. The ceremony concludes with a breathtaking display of sky lamps, illuminating the sky with their radiant glow.
In Hindu mythology, the holy Ganga is considered the ultimate source of repentance and salvation for millions of people. To celebrate the everlasting role of this divine river in our lives, the Ganga Mohotsav is a grand 5-day festival that takes place every year. Starting on the auspicious occasion of Prabodhani Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar month of Kartik), the carnival culminates with the Dev Diwali, a celebration of lights that marks the last day of the festival. And let me tell you, this is one cultural event that you wouldn't want to miss! With legendary maestros like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the Late Bismillah Khan, Pandit Chhanulal Mishra, Late Birju Maharaj, and Anuradha Paudwal having performed in the past, you can only imagine the incredible talent that graces the stage at this gala. And that's not all - even upcoming artists get a chance to showcase their skills to the world. But wait, there's more! The festival also features country boat races, martial arts performances, wrestling matches, sculptural displays, laser shows and street food that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. So why not come and experience the magic of this extravaganza for yourself?
Mark your calendars, folks, because the much-awaited Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is just around the corner! This year, the celebration will take place on the 26th of November, following the kickoff of the Ganga Mahotsav on the 18th of November, 2023. No wonder this festival is a crowd-puller, attracting thousands of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists worldwide. And why wouldn't it be? This wholesome celebration has something for everyone, catering to all interests and passions. For the spiritually inclined, Dev Deepavali is a sacred occasion that honours the river Ganga and pays homage to the gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. Cultural enthusiasts will be thrilled to experience the vibrant music, dance, and art performances during the festival, while patriots can revel in the patriotic fervour that fills the air. But that's not all - the festival also holds a special appeal for those seeking personal enrichment and growth. Whether finding inner peace through meditation or connecting with like-minded individuals, Dev Deepavali provides a space for self-discovery and personal transformation.
Imagine a city draped in a kaleidoscope of lights, with the river Ganga reflecting the radiance of thousands of flickering lamps. The air is filled with an electric buzz as the city of Kashi prepares to welcome one of the most mesmerising celebrations of the year - Dev Deepawali. Believe us when we say this is an experience you cannot miss. The exhibition of illuminated ghats, the joyful sounds of music and dance, and the spiritual fervour that fills the air - it's no wonder that Dev Deepawali is hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who witnesses it. But don't take our word for it - come and see for yourself! Book your stay at the luxurious and comfortable Stay Banaras and immerse yourself in the magic of the occasion. Let this mesmerising celebration's sights, chimes, and scents take you on a journey of discovery and wonder.
Take the chance to witness the grandeur of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi this winter unfold in all its sparkling glory. Come and experience the warmth of the lights, the joy of the festivities, and the spiritual energy that permeates the air. Book your stay at Stay Banaras today, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime!