Varanasi Lights Up with Millions of Lamps for Dev Deepawali

Varanasi, the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, celebrated Dev Deepawali, the festival of lights for the gods, on November 27, 2023. The festival, which falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, 15 days after Diwali, is a special occasion for the city, where millions of earthen lamps are lit along the banks of the Ganges river to honour the goddess Ganga and the gods who are believed to descend to earth on this day.

Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, commemorates the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, who had conquered the three worlds with his three cities of gold, silver and iron. Lord Shiva used a single arrow to destroy the three cities, creating a huge explosion of light. This event is also known as Tripurari Purnima or Tripurotsav.

Another legend says that Dev Deepawali is the day when Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya, the fish, and saved the first man, Manu, from the great flood. Dev Deepawali is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, and the god of war.

Devotees from all over the country and the world visited Varanasi to witness the grandeur and beauty of Dev Deepawali. They took a holy dip in the Ganges, offered prayers and worship to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Kartikeya and other gods and goddesses. They also participated in the Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual that involves chanting of hymns, ringing of bells, blowing of conch shells and waving of lamps in front of the river.

Dev Deepawali is not only a religious festival, but also a cultural and tourist attraction. The city of Varanasi hosted various cultural events and performances during the five-day Ganga Mahotsav, which culminated in Dev Deepawali. The events included classical music, dance, drama, poetry, art and crafts exhibitions, boat races, wrestling matches and more. The city also welcomed dignitaries, celebrities and guests from different parts of the world, who came to witness the splendour of Dev Deepawali.

One of the highlights of Dev Deepawali was the laser show that was projected on the walls of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, depicting the legends and history of Varanasi. Another attraction was the floating lamps or akashdeep, which were released in the sky by the devotees, creating a mesmerizing sight. The city also organized a heritage walk, a boat ride and a light and sound show for the visitors.

Dev Deepawali is a unique festival that showcases the rich culture, tradition and spirituality of Varanasi. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed by anyone who loves to explore the diversity and beauty of India.

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