River of Light: Varanasi’s Ghats to Glow With 10 Lakh Diyas on Dev Deepawali

Image Source: IANS Live

Key Highlights of the Festival

Dev Deepawali, also called Dev Diwali, will be celebrated on November 5, 2025, transforming the ghats of Varanasi into a spectacular vision with the lighting of over 10 lakh diyas (earthen oil lamps)

The festival commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and is regarded as the “Diwali of the Gods”

The illumination of the ghats along the holy Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat to Raj Ghat, attracts millions of pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers from across India and around the world

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Dev Deepawali is observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month, 15 days after the widely celebrated Diwali festival, making it uniquely tied to Varanasi’s deep-rooted religious traditions

It is believed this is the day when the gods descend to the ghats of Varanasi to take a holy bath in the Ganges, making the lighting of diyas an act of welcoming the divine presence

The lighting of the 10 lakh diyas serves not only as a ritual offering but also symbolizes the eradication of darkness and evil, illuminating hope and spiritual cleansing

Grand Celebrations Along the Ghats

The iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat is the centerpiece for the evening Ganga Aarti, a mystical ritual with priests chanting mantras while performing synchronized offerings amid thousands of flickering lamps

The ghats from Rajendra, Manikarnika, Assi, and others are also adorned with countless diyas, creating a shimmering spectacle reflecting on the river’s surface, resembling a stairway to heaven

Patriotic ceremonies are part of the festivities with NCC cadets, police, and army personnel lighting lamps in homage to martyrs, linking spiritual veneration with civic pride

Rituals and Activities During Dev Deepawali

Devotees begin the day with ‘Kartik Snan’—a holy dip in the Ganges believed to absolve sins and bless the soul

Deepdan, the lighting of multiple diyas at homes, temples, and along the riverbanks, is performed by families and priests, often numbering 11, 21, 51, or 108 diyas per group

Cultural events including music, traditional dance, fireworks displays, and grand processions of decorated deities enliven the city streets, adding to the festive atmosphere

Preparations and Public Participation

Extensive preparations commence days ahead, coordinating thousands of volunteers and municipal workers for safety, decoration, and crowd control to manage the millions expected to attend

Boat rides on the Ganges offer tourists panoramic views of the illuminated ghats and fireworks, providing a memorable experience of this once-in-a-year phenomenon

Families and visitors decorate their homes and shops with colorful rangoli designs, oil lamps, and floral arrangements, embracing the spirit of light and devotion

Dev Deepawali’s Growing Global Footprint

Once a primarily local event, Dev Deepawali has grown into an international attraction, drawing spiritual tourists and cultural enthusiasts eager to witness the unparalleled brilliance of Varanasi’s ghats

The festival boosts local economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and artisanal crafts, sustaining livelihoods tied closely to the cultural fabric of Varanasi

Environmental efforts encourage the use of eco-friendly clay lamps and sustainable materials to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the Ganges and surrounding areas

Distinctive Features Compared to Diwali

Dev Deepawali occurs 15 days after the traditional Diwali and is laden with unique mythological significance centered on Lord Shiva and his divine victory

While Diwali celebrations are observed nationwide with fireworks and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Dev Deepawali is especially profound in Varanasi, marked by riverfront devotion and elaborate rituals linked to the Ganga

The scale of lamp lighting at Dev Deepawali on Varanasi’s ghats far exceeds other regional festivals, making it uniquely grand and spiritually immersive

Conclusion: A Festival of Light, Faith, and Community

The lighting of 10 lakh diyas on the ghats of Varanasi encapsulates the collective faith, devotion, and joyous celebration of millions, casting a divine glow over one of India’s oldest cities

Dev Deepawali in 2025 promises a blend of ancient tradition and modern festivity, uniting communities and visitors in a timeless embrace of light overcoming darkness

For those seeking to experience the soul of India's spiritual heritage, witnessing Dev Deepawali on the banks of the Ganges is an unforgettable journey of faith and illumination

Sources: Mathura Vrindavan Package, Dev Diwali Official, Varanasi Guru

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