When Divinity Illuminates Ghats of Varanasi

Earthen lamps add sparkle to Dev Deepawali celebration in the city of temples.

- Namita Bajpai

The ghats of Varanasi always fill one with spiritual energy. However, there is one particular occasion in the year when divinity descends upon all the banks of the Ganga—the evening of Kartik Purnima—when the holy city celebrates Dev Deepawali.

On the full moon day of the Kartik month, which falls 15 days after Diwali, the 80-odd ghats of Benaras are illuminated with earthen lamps or diya, conveying a semblance of celestial celebration. It is believed that on this day Gods descend on the earth; millions of lamps are lit to accord them a grand welcome. It is also believed that it was on this day that demon Tripurasura was killed by Lord Shiva. Hence, Dev Deepawali is also known as Tripurotsav and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Not just the ghats, but even the temples of Varanasi are decked up with lamps to make it a grand spectacle.

Dev Deepawali is not a celebration in isolation. In fact, it’s the grand culmination of the four-day Ganga Mahotsava that starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Although the events are supported by UP Tourism, it’s the people’s participation that makes it truly spectacular.