Here are some key highlights:

1. Historical and Mythological Significance

• Deva Deepavali is believed to be the day when deities descend to earth to bathe in the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi.
• It is celebrated as the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Shiva’s slaying of Tripurasura, which liberated the heavens and the earth from his tyranny.

2. Rituals and Celebrations

• Ganga Aarti: A grand aarti is performed on the banks of the Ganges River, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists. Priests in traditional attire chant hymns and perform elaborate rituals, with large brass lamps lighting up the riverfront.
• Lighting of Diyas: Devotees light millions of earthen lamps (diyas) on the ghats and in temples, illuminating the entire riverbank. The sight is breathtaking, with the soft glow of lamps reflecting on the river.
• Processions and Devotional Activities: Many devotees participate in processions carrying idols of deities, chanting prayers, and singing bhajans (devotional songs).
• Kartika Snana: Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges, especially at dawn, to cleanse their sins and seek blessings from the gods.

3. Major Ghats of Varanasi Celebrating Deva Deepavali

• Prominent ghats such as Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Rajendra Prasad are elaborately decorated and become focal points for celebrations.
• Each ghat has a unique display of diyas and decorations, making it a spectacular sight.

4. Cultural and Artistic Aspects

• Alongside religious rituals, Deva Deepavali features cultural programs, including classical dance and music performances. Artists from across India gather to perform, celebrating the spiritual and cultural heritage of Varanasi.

5. Tourist Attraction

• Deva Deepavali attracts tourists from all over the world who come to witness the grand festival, especially the mesmerizing sight of the illuminated ghats. Boat rides on the Ganges during Deva Deepavali provide an extraordinary view of the celebration.

6. Environmental Concerns

• With the growing number of visitors, the festival has raised concerns about pollution. Efforts have been made to promote eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable diyas and reducing plastic waste.

7. Symbolism and Spirituality

• The festival represents the light of wisdom and knowledge, overcoming the darkness of ignorance. The illumination of the ghats symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and reverence for the divine.

Deva Deepavali is one of the most spiritually uplifting festivals in India, capturing the essence of Varanasi’s spiritual heritage and the reverence for the Ganges River. It is a celebration of light, devotion, and divine blessings.

Deva Deepavali 2024

Deva Deepavali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated on the day before Kartika purnima, and people celebrate with the lighting of lamps and bursting crackers.

It is also a time to share recipes with friends and family. During this festive season, many families prepare dishes that are unique to their region.

It is a festival of lights

Deva-Deepavali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time of family gatherings, feasting and prayer. It is also a time to remember the lessons of the Ramayana, and to make resolutions for the future.

The festival is celebrated in many ways, but the main ritual is the lighting of oil lamps and candles. People clean and decorate their homes and buy new clothes to celebrate the occasion. They exchange gifts with friends and relatives, strengthening community and family ties.

The festival is also a time to honour Lord Shiva’s victory over the three demons Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana, collectively known as Tripurasur. Thousands of diyas are lit on the ghats of Varanasi, to mark this victory over darkness.

It is a celebration of spirituality

Deva-Deepavali is the celebration of the spirituality of light and its victory over darkness. It is a day when devotees bathe in the Ganges and worship bhagwan Vishnu. They also pray for prosperity and good fortune. The ghats are lit with millions of diyas, making the river glow brightly.

Another name for this festival is Tripura purnima. It marks the occasion when Lord Shiva slew the three demons that had invaded his abode, Kailas. The story behind this event is described in the 7th Skandh of the Shrimad Bhagwat. It is also celebrated by Jains as Sukhsuptika.

It is a festival of family unity

Deepavali is a celebration of family unity and spirituality. It also symbolizes hope and renewal. Homes are adorned with lights and diyas, and food is shared among families, promoting unity and friendship.

Different regions of India celebrate Diwali in distinct ways, reflecting their cultural and religious heritage. For example, in northern India, the festival is associated with Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. It is also celebrated as the festival of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

In southern India, it is known as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day when bhagwan Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur. On this day, people massage their bodies with sesame oil and bathe. It is also a day to receive the blessings of elders. It is also observed as Govardhan Puja or Annakoot in the north, when bhagwan Krishna lifted the sacred mountain Govardhan to feed his devotees.

It is a festival of cuisine

Deepavali is a festival of food in India, where people share recipes and celebrate the rich culinary culture of their region. This is a good time to try new dishes and also to share old favorites with family and friends.

The festival falls on the Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika. It is a celebration of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The lights that are lit at the ghats of the Ganges River symbolize this victory.

In many regions, families decorate their homes with lights and rangoli (art patterns made with colored powder). They also perform pujas in temples and at home for their ancestors and worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

It is a festival of fireworks

Deva-Deepavali is a festival of lights, and it is also celebrated as the victory of good over evil. It is a joyous occasion that brings families together and encourages a sense of community. The celebration of Deva-Deepavali includes fireworks, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil.

During this auspicious occasion, people clean their homes and draw rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. They also do shraddha puja to their ancestors. In Tamil Nadu, this day is known as Karthigai Deepam and in Varanasi as Bandi Chhor Divas.

The first day of the festival is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakoot, which marks the day when bhagwan Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to save his devotees from floods and fed them. It is also celebrated in Karnataka as Bali Pratipada to commemorate the return of king Bali from Patal Lok after being pushed by bhagwan Vishnu’s dwarf incarnation, Vamanadeva.