Thirteen days following Diwali, on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika, is Dev Deepavali, also called “the Diwali of the Gods.” Every year, the ghats are lit up with diyas and the scenery looks magnificent! Here’s all about this year’s Dev Deepawali of Varanasi.
PM Modi Extends His Wishes On Karthik Poornima
श्रद्धा, भक्ति और दैवीय उपासना की भारतीय परंपरा से प्रकाशित पावन पर्व कार्तिक पूर्णिमा एवं देव दीपावली की असीम शुभकामनाएं। मेरी कामना है कि यह पावन अवसर देशभर के मेरे परिवारजनों के जीवन में नई रौनक और स्फूर्ति लेकर आए।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 27, 2023
Almost fifteen days have passed since India celebrated Diwali, which was known as the “Diwali of the Gods.” Today, on Karthik Poornima, the nation celebrates Dev Deepawali. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out greetings to the public on Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali. The PM expressed his intention for the nation’s citizens to be enthusiastic about this occasion in a post on X. Varanasi is also decked out in dazzling lights and decorations in anticipation of today’s big “Dev Deepawali” celebration.
The speciality of Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali is the lighting up of ghats. The tradition was started in 1991 by Pandit Kishori Raman Dubey, who lit lamps at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The celebration starts with Karthik snan, which is taking a dip in the holy Ganga river during Kartika. It is followed by deepdan, which is an offering of oil-lighted diyas (lamps). And finally, the Ganga Aarti, which is performed in the evening.
All homes and buildings are illuminated with earthen lamps, with the exception of the aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A hundred thousand pilgrims come to the waterfront to witness the river glimmer with lights. Twenty-one young Brahmin priests and twenty-four young women do the aarti. Chanting hymns, beating drums rhythmically, blowing conch shells, and lighting braziers are all part of the ceremonies.
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Varanasi Ghats To Lit Up With 12 Lakh Lamps!
An official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) states that Kashi’s crescent-shaped Ganga Ghats will be adorned with a garland of lamps. Under the moonlight, visitors can take in a display of firecrackers, lasers, and music. Shiva hymns and melodies will be playing in the background while a display of green fireworks takes to the sky.
On the sand in front of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham’s Ganga gate, there will be a green aerial firecracker performance. According to the statement, the Yogi government is also planning a laser and cracker display in addition to lighting the ghats with 12 lakh lamps to make Dev Diwali exquisite and spectacular. In addition, a 13-minute green aerial firecracker spectacular will be part of the celebrations, adding to the majesty and divinity of Varanasi’s Dev Diwali.
This year, about 7 to 8 lakh devotees are anticipated, and stringent security measures have been put in place. Plans are on for the roughly 13-minute-long Green Aerial Fire Crackers Show, according to Rajendra Kumar Rawat, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department. Sanjay Pratap Singh, the India Head of Dome Entertainment, announced that a green aerial firecracker show will take place over a one-kilometre stretch of the beach.
Also Read: Air India Leaves Delhi-Kolkata Passengers Stranded At IGI Airport Disrupting Their Diwali Plans
The songs “Har-Har Shambhu,” “Shiv Tandav Stotra,” and other hymns honouring Lord Shiva will be played throughout the fireworks display.
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr/ Saurabh Chatterjee
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First Published: November 27, 2023 11:55 AM