Diwali is celebrated in the entire country, however, in Varanasi, they have a special way of doing it. The sacred city celebrates the festival by lighting more than a million lamps on the ghats! We came across a video which shows the fascinating Varanasi ghats lit by these earthen lamps for dev Deepawali—take a look!
Varanasi’s Ghats Are A Fascinating Sight!
Varanasi, a city that refuses to stop celebrating! 🎉 A city where there’s never a dull moment, with festivals around every corner, drawing you into a world of zeal and enchantment. 🪔🎊 #VisitIndia and embrace the vibrant chaos, because this city’s intrigue knows no bounds! pic.twitter.com/yvsKnvpGd9
— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) November 5, 2023
There are 84 riverfront stairs in Varanasi called ghats that go to the banks of the Ganges river. Most of the ghats are used for bathing and puja ceremonies, but two, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are only used for cremations.
The Kartik Poornima festival, known as Dev Deepavali, is observed in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Fifteen days after Diwali, it occurs on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika. Every ghat along the Ganga River is decked with more than a million clay lamps, or diyas, on the eve of Dev Deepawali. Volunteers, residents, and tourists light the bulbs to provide a breathtaking sight that mimics a starry sky.
The lamps honour the martyrs who gave their lives in defence of the country and represent the illumination of one’s soul. The enchanting ambience created by the thousands of lamps floating over the river will captivate you. The Incredible India shared a video of how Varanasi ghats look on Diwali from a height. The ghats lit up and the lamps formed a beautiful view!
Houses are decked out for Dev Deepawali with oil lamps and colourful designs on their front entrances. At night, Varanasi’s streets are filled with firecrackers, decorated deities are paraded through, and oil lights are tossed into the river to float.
Also Read: Varanasi To Get International Cricket Stadium With 30,000 Seating Space & World-Class Amenities
Ganga Aarti, Fireworks & More
Ganga Aarti is a ceremony in which the river Ganga is revered using fire, flowers, incense, and hymns. There are several ghats along the river where priests perform the aarti, but the most well-known one is at Dashashwamedh Ghat. And hundreds of people assemble to witness the ceremony. Local artists express their talents through music, dance, and cultural performances that accompany the aarti. In fact, it is an act of thanks and homage to Ganga, the goddess of life and the mother of all living things.
Every year, they plan a fireworks show for the guests attending the festival. With patterns and colours lighting up the night sky, it’s going to be a fantastic show. One will be able to witness the spectacular show from a distance, as the fireworks will be launched from multiple points along the river. They are an excellent method to honour the happiness and grandeur of Dev Deepawali and truly contribute to the festive mood.
During Dev Deepawali, cruising on the Ganga by boat is one of the best ways to appreciate Varanasi’s natural splendour. You may take in the breathtaking view of the ghats illuminated by lamps.
Also Read: Ganga Riverfront In Varanasi To Get A Facelift With Elevated Roads & Bridges On Ghats
From your boat, you may also observe the rites and ceremonies occurring on several ghats. And, if you’d like, participate in them.
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr/ Saurabh Chatterjee
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