Dev Deepawali 2024: Dev Deepawali is a significant religious festival celebrated in India, holding a special place in Sanatan Dharma. As the name suggests, “Dev Deepawali” means “the Diwali of the Gods.” Therefore, Dev Deepawali is also referred to as the “Diwali of the Deities.” The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Kartik month, which comes approximately 15 days after the grand festival of Diwali.
Dev Deepawali holds a special connection with Varanasi, also known as Kashi, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur in this city. This year, during Dev Deepawali, a large number of oil lamps (diyas) were lit along the banks of the Ganges. Let’s explore more about this unique celebration.
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Dev Deepawali 2024: The Significance of Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali holds special importance in Sanatan Dharma. The festival is celebrated about 15 days after Diwali, on the full moon day of Kartik. Dev Deepawali is especially linked to Varanasi, a city revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and considered the holiest city in Hindu tradition. According to ancient scriptures, on this day, all the gods descended to Earth, and Kashi was the most sacred place for their arrival, which is why it is considered the “city of gods” and the “holiest city.”
On Dev Deepawali, the ghats of Varanasi are adorned with thousands of lamps, and the ritual of “Deepdaan” (offering lights) is of immense importance. Devotees also take a holy dip in the Ganges River. The tradition of celebrating Dev Deepawali on this day has been carried on for centuries.
Why is Dev Deepawali Celebrated?
Dev Deepawali is celebrated with great fanfare, approximately 15 days after Diwali. A mythological story is associated with this day. According to the legend, once the powerful demon Tripurasura, who had gained several boons, attacked the city of the gods, Swarglok. Being extremely powerful, he overthrew the gods, took control of their heavenly realm, and drove the deities out.
The gods, troubled by this, sought refuge in the mountains of Kailash and approached Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva defeated Tripurasura and restored the gods’ power, freeing them from his tyranny. After regaining their heavenly abode, the gods celebrated their victory by lighting lamps along the banks of the Ganges in Kashi and performing prayers to Lord Shiva. This marked the beginning of the tradition of celebrating Dev Deepawali.
Lamps Lit on the Ghats of Varanasi
This year, during Dev Deepawali, a grand celebration was held on the ghats of Varanasi. Around 84 ghats and 700 temples and monasteries along the Ganges were illuminated with approximately 2.5 million oil lamps. Additionally, a grand Ganga Aarti was performed, which was attended by nearly 100,000 people. For an entire hour, colorful fireworks lit up the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Several laser shows further enhanced the beauty of the celebrations, making the festival even more spectacular.
Millions Gathered in Varanasi for the Festival
Dev Deepawali drew millions of devotees and tourists from around the world to Varanasi. People from various parts of India, as well as international visitors, were eager to witness this cultural and spiritual festival. It was estimated that around 1.5 million people from over 40 countries gathered in Kashi to take part in the celebrations.
The festival was a vibrant display of color and devotion, with the ghats and temples beautifully decorated with strings of lights and garlands of lamps. Artistic representations were created using these lamp garlands, which were visually stunning. The fireworks, laser shows, and the lighting of millions of lamps made the Dev Deepawali celebration in Kashi this year truly mesmerizing and unforgettable.
