Dev Deepawali, also known as the "Diwali of the Gods," is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Unlike the regular Diwali, which marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon night (Kartik Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, which is usually 15 days after Diwali. The festival is believed to commemorate Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, making it a celebration of good triumphing over evil. In 2024 Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on Friday, 15th Novermber.
On this auspicious night, the ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps), creating a breathtaking view along the banks of the Ganges River. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to the deities, while others take a dip in the sacred river, believing it to cleanse their sins. The city is adorned with vibrant lights, colorful rangolis, and grand processions, and the atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy.
The festival not only holds religious significance but also attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims from around the world, eager to witness the grandeur and devotion of this sacred celebration. Dev Deepawali is truly a magical confluence of spirituality, tradition, and devotion in the heart of Varanasi.
History of Dev Deepawali
The Dev-Deepawali celebrations, observed in Varanasi, take place on the full moon of the Hindu month of Karthik, which is 15 days after Diwali. As per Hindu legends, a demon named Tarakasura had three sons Tarakasksha, Kamlashksha, and Vidyunmail. Three sons of Tarkasura worshipped Lord Brahma with utmost devotion and received a boon of immortality. By the laws of the cosmos, Lord Brahma also bestowed upon them the blessing that a single arrow could only destroy them. After receiving this blessing, they became engrossed in destructive behaviour and caused a commotion everywhere. When Lord Shiva came to know about it, he took on the shape of Tripurantaka and resolved to become its avatar, killing all three sons or asuras with a single arrow to bring peace and harmony across the world. Dev Diwali is a festival commemorating Lord Shiva's conquest of the Asuras.
Major Attractions of Dev Deepawali Celebrations
1. Kartik Snan
The devotees wake up early on the day of this holy event to perform Kartik Snan, which is merely a dip into the Ganges' sacred waters to rid oneself of all the evil and negative karma.
2. Deep Dan
Following the completion of this ceremony, it is the period for Deep Dan, which is essentially pouring oil into the earthen lamps. This specific ceremony is performed in honour of Goddess Ganga.
3. Local Performances
On this occasion, many devotees gather to attend this four-day Ganga Mahotsav. The official celebrations of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi are held on the Dasaswamedh Ghat, where many reputed artists and performers from all over the country come to perform.
4. Ganga Aarti
And in the evening of this festival, one can see throngs of devotees performing aartis and lighting diyas on the ghats. They participate with immense devotion and decorate the ghats along the riverbank for the celebrations. Diyas are lit as a gesture to welcome the gods as they arrive on Earth. The festival's main attraction is the spectacular Ganga Aarti, which focuses on inspiring spirituality from within. Typically, each ghat conducts its own ritual, lighting enormous lamps as priests sing hymns.
How To Reach Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
- Nearest Major City. Mau
- Nearest International Airport. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Varanasi Junction
- Distance from Mau. 91 Km
Let’s take a look at how you can reach the Mukti Dham by the following modes of transportation.
By Air.
Travelling to Varanasi via flight is a good option. It is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow and more. Many flights from prominent private air carriers operate frequently to and fro from Varanasi airport. However, it is to be noted that in 2005, Varanasi Airport was renamed Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. After you deboard at this airport, you must take a cab or a local auto to cover the remaining distance to your destination.
Distance from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. 16 min
Click Here For Flight Tickets Booking
By Train. Varanasi has its own railway junction with the same name, i.e. Varanasi Junction. It is also known as Benares Junction and Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. It is important to note that this station has a modern route interlock system consisting of an automated signalling system.
In 2017, it was also ranked 14th in India regarding overall cleanliness. Over 250 trains arrive at this station daily.
Distance from Varanasi Junction. 10 min
By Train.
Varanasi has its own railway junction with the same name, i.e. Varanasi Junction. It is also known as Benares Junction and Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. It is important to note that this station has a modern route interlock system consisting of an automated signalling system.
In 2017, it was also ranked 14th in India regarding overall cleanliness. Over 250 trains arrive at this station daily.
- Distance from Varanasi Junction. 10 min
Click Here For Railway Ticket Bookings
By Road.
If you are planning a trip to Varanasi, what can be more exciting than planning a trip to the spiritual capital of India via road? Watching the heavenly picturesque views from your car while travelling towards this enlightening city is an experience worth having.
- Distance from Lucknow. 4.3 Km
- Distance from Mau. 91 Km
- Distance from Allahabad. 114 Km
- Distance from Gorakhpur. 165 Km
- Distance from Ara. 172 Km
- Distance from Rewa. 189 Km
- Distance from Uttar Pradesh. 314 Km
- Distance from Jharkhand. 407 Km
- Distance from Delhi. 864 Km
Click Here For Bus Ticket Booking.
Ready to be a part of the most blissful Dev-Deepawali festival celebrations this year? Get in touch with Adotrip and book the most amazing vacation with an absolutely hassle-free process.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dev Deepawali
Q1: What is Dev Deepawali?
A1: Dev Deepawali, also known as the "Diwali of the Gods," is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Varanasi, marking the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. It occurs on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartika, 15 days after Diwali.
Q2: Where is Dev Deepawali celebrated?
A2: Dev Deepawali is most famously celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the ghats along the Ganges River. The entire city, especially the ghats, is illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps), creating a beautiful spectacle.
Q3: What is the significance of Dev Deepawali?
A3: Dev Deepawali commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. It is believed that on this day, the gods descend to the earth to bathe in the Ganges, and the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Q4: When is Dev Deepawali celebrated?
A4: Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the month of Kartika, which usually falls 15 days after the Hindu festival of Diwali, typically in November.
Q5: How is Dev Deepawali celebrated?
A5: Devotees celebrate by lighting diyas on the ghats of Varanasi, offering prayers, performing rituals, and taking a dip in the Ganges River. The festival is also marked by grand processions, cultural performances, and fireworks.
Q6: What is the significance of lighting diyas during Dev Deepawali?
A6: Lighting diyas during Dev Deepawali symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, and the triumph of light and wisdom. It is also believed that the gods descend to the earth on this night, and lighting diyas honors their presence.
Q7: What is the best time to visit Varanasi for Dev Deepawali?
A7: The best time to visit Varanasi for Dev Deepawali is during the evening of Kartik Purnima, when the ghats are illuminated with thousands of diyas and the city comes alive with rituals, processions, and cultural events.
Q8: Is Dev Deepawali celebrated in places other than Varanasi?
A8: While Varanasi is the epicentre of Dev Deepawali celebrations, it is also observed in some other parts of Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions, though not on the same grand scale as in Varanasi.
Q9: What rituals are performed during Dev Deepawali?
A9: Devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva, light diyas, and perform rituals on the ghats of the Ganges. Many also take a dip in the river, believing it will cleanse them of their sins and bring spiritual purification.
Q10: Why is Dev Deepawali different from regular Diwali?
A10: Dev Deepawali is celebrated to honour the gods and marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. In contrast, regular Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Dev Deepawali occurs 15 days after Diwali and has its own unique set of rituals and customs.
