Diwali is the festival of lights. When Diwali comes near, people decorate their homes with colourful lights, earthen lamps (diyas), multi-hued rangolis and so much more!! The entire country seems to come alive at this festival and is beautifully lit up! People from all over the world visit India during this time to experience India’s one of the biggest celebratory festival and somehow become a part of the festivities.
However, after Diwali, the streets once glittering and illuminating, becomes pale as before, which seems little depressing. But worry not! Do you know that there is a festival celebrated in a similar fashion but only in Varanasi, which is called Dev Deepawali. This festival represents the true spiritual culture of India, with prayer chants echoing everywhere along with the temple bells. The holy Ganga river, bedazzled with floating earthen lamps and flowers. The entire atmosphere looks so serene and peaceful. The ghats of Varanasi become alive.
Dev Deepawali is a popular festival, celebrated every year in Varanasi. It will be observed on 22nd November, this year (2018). This festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Shiva over the evil demon Tripurasur. Hence, Dev Deepawali Utsav is also known as Tripurotsav which is observed on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima (Full Moon).
Besides the religious significance, the day of Dev Diwali also commemorates the brave martyrs, who lost their lives fighting for their country. Wreaths are offered as remembrance for those brave soldiers, in different areas of Varanasi.
On this auspicious day, devotees take a holy dip in Ganges and light earthen lamps or Diya(s) in the evening. When the dusk sets, the steps of all the Ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges are lit with millions of earthen lamps. Not only the Ghats of Ganges but also all temples of Benaras are lit with millions of Diya(s). Also, you can witness this breathtaking sight via boat rides in the Ganga!
The chanting of the holy Vedic mantras by the priests, the sparkling of fire crackers to welcome and please the Gods and Goddesses and the lighting waterfronts decorated with diyas, looks so picturesque that the ambiance makes it an experience which must be witnessed atleast once in a lifetime!
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