While most Indians celebrate the victory of good over evil on the new moon night of Diwali, Varanasi waits for an entire fortnight to really bust out with the fireworks. On the full moon, which is 15 nights after Diwali, Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepawali. It is the day when the gods are believed to visit the Earth for a dip in the river Ganga. During the Dev Deepawali in Varanasi devotees from around the world come together to take a dip in the river Ganga.
Often people confuse Diwali and Dev Deepawali as the same thing. However, the two are different and celebrated for a different reason all together. In this article, we will discuss why Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi and the rituals of Dev Deepawali.
Why Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is Celebrated?
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, which comes 15 days after Diwali. Dev Deepawali, which is also known as the festival of lights in Banaras, marks the victory of Lord Shiva over three demons – Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana – together known as Tripurasur.
Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities created by the demons, and as a result of this, the Dev Deepawali festival is also known as Tripurotsav. It is a common belief that Lord Shiva visits the town every year in the month of Kartik to celebrate the victory, and therefore, people celebrate the festival of Dev Diwali in Varanasi.
Rituals To Celebrate Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
On this auspicious day, people from all over the country visit Varanasi to bathe in the river Ganga, pray to the goddess Ganga, and offer flowers and light in the evening. Notably, this act of lighting up lamps or diyas is referred to as Deepdaan.
To celebrate the festival of Gods, the city decorates all the 84 ghats on the riverfront of the river Ganga with millions of diyas. Thus, creating a picturesque scene that makes the city look like a place in heaven. Each and every house in the city is decorated with oil lamps, whereas firecrackers are burnt at night.
Notably, the tradition of lighting the lamps during Dev Deepawali started at the Panchganga Ghat which houses a mosque in 1985. In addition to diyas, laser lights are also used to decorate the ghats in Varanasi. Boat rides, sound shows, and the evening arti at Dashaswamedh ghat are the major attractions during Dev Deepawali in Varanasi.
When is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi Celebrated in 2022?
In 2022, the Dev Deepawali – festival of light – will be celebrated on 7th November 2022. If you want to witness the spectacular fest of Dev Diwali 2022, make sure you remember the dates. It is one of those experiences which is spectacular, overwhelming, and unforgettable. The festival of Dev Diwali is much larger and grander than you can think of, and only seeing it with your own eyes can help you understand its significance of Dev Deepawali.
Things To Do When Visiting Varanasi for Dev Diwali 2022?
If you are going to be in Varanasi to witness the spectacular celebration of Dev Diwali 2022, then there are a few things that you must certainly do. For once, make sure you visit the Ghats of Varanasi. Moreover, a boat ride in the river Ganga and evening Arti is something that you do not want to miss out on. A sightseeing tour of Sarnath and shopping in Varanasi must also be on your to-do list.
Shopping for Banarasi Sarees in Varanasi
Varanasi is known for its pure silk Banarasi sarees. So, if you are in Varanasi and are looking to buy a traditional, handloom Banarasi saree, then we know where exactly you can buy one. JDS Banaras – the best Banarasi saree shop in Varanasi – offers you a wide collection of elegant-looking Banarasi sarees at the most affordable rates. Being in the business of manufacturing Banarasi sarees for more than 100 years, there is no better place to shop for Banarasi sarees than JDS.
Final Thoughts
Witness the grand celebration of Dev Deepawali with your own eyes on November 7th, 2022. The vibrant city will offer you an experience unlike anything experienced before. The festival of lights will decorate the city and offer you an unmatched experience.
Image source 1: Aaj Tak
Image source 2: Indian Express