Dev Diwali

Know why gods celebrate Diwali on this day..? 

Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali or “Diwali of the Gods”, is a unique and divine festival celebrated in Varanasi, one of the most ancient and sacred cities of India. This festival is celebrated on the night of Kartik Purnima, which falls about 15 days after the main Diwali.

This festival has immense religious and cultural significance and during this, the victory of gods over demons is celebrated by lighting thousands of lamps on the banks of the Ganga, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and righteousness over unrighteousness.

Importance of Kartik Purnima

The month of Kartik and the full moon date hold special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Bathing in the Ganges and worshipping Lord Vishnu during the month of Kartik holds special significance. The scriptures emphasize the importance of bathing in the Ganges on Kartik Purnima. Taking a dip in the Ganges on this day brings the same benefits as bathing in the Ganges throughout the year. Donating lamps and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day increases the chances of receiving auspicious results. Matsya Avatar was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu on Kartik Purnima, Matsya Avatar is considered to be the first incarnation among the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Kartik Purnima also holds special significance in Sikhism, as it was on this day that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born. It is celebrated as Guru Parv in Sikhism. Special prayers and langar are organized in gurdwaras on Kartik Purnima. Additionally, there is a religious belief that Lord Brahma descended into the sacred river Pushkar on Kartik Purnima. Therefore, every year on Kartik Purnima, millions of people bathe in the Pushkar River, perform puja, and offer lamps. Bathing in the Ganges on Kartik Purnima is considered very important. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is considered equivalent to bathing in the Ganges throughout the year.

Diwali and Dev Deepawali: The unique significance of the two festivals.

Although both Diwali and Dev Deepawali are very important festivals of Hinduism, there are many differences in their celebrations, themes and customs. Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon and is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, symbolizing his victory over Ravana.

On the other hand, Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartika and is associated with the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura. It is celebrated as the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura, and Lord Shiva is called “Tripurari.”

Meaning: destroyer of the cities of three demons. Diwali primarily involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Dev Diwali, on the other hand, places special importance on the worship of Lord Shiva, who is recognized and honored for his divine form.

Special customs and traditions of Dev Deepawali.

The lighting of thousands of earthen lamps on the banks of the Ganges holds special significance during this special festival of Dev Deepawali. The sight of these lamps, lit at various ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi, is truly divine and transcendental.

It is believed that on this day, the gods descend from heaven to earth and mark their presence in the light of these lamps. During the Ganga Aarti, special prayers and worship of Lord Shiva are offered.

On this occasion, devotees take a bath in the Ganges, which is considered a symbol of self-purification, and organize Annadan, which is considered a means of earning merit.

Religious and cultural significance of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi.

Varanasi, considered a very sacred place in Hinduism, holds a unique place in the celebration of Dev Deepawali. Thousands of lamps lit on the ghats here give the atmosphere a unique peace and divinity, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Along with religious rituals, cultural performances are also organised during this festival, which include performances like music and dance, which further enliven the spiritual aspect of the celebration.

The tradition began in 1991 at Dashashwamedh Ghat and has since become an annual event showcasing the rich religious and cultural heritage of Varanasi to the world.

Mythological and Vedic references.

The mythological context of Dev Deepawali is linked to the battle between Lord Shiva and Tripurasura. According to legend, Tripurasura was the collective name for three demons—Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavan—who were blessed with a boon from Lord Brahma. These demons built three impenetrable cities and began to trouble the gods and the people of the earth.

Ultimately, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Tripurari and destroyed all three cities with a single arrow and established peace and balance in the universe.

This victory is celebrated as Dev Deepawali. Although the festival is not explicitly mentioned in ancient texts, its underlying principles are in line with the fundamental tenets of Vedic religion such as victory of dharma, victory of light over darkness and reverence for God.

Why experience Dev Deepawali..?

For those who wish to experience a spiritual journey, Dev Deepawali offers a unique opportunity, filling them with devotion, light and divine presence.

Varanasi, considered a very sacred city along the river Ganga, creates a unique atmosphere during Dev Deepawali where ancient tradition and modernity meet. The unique ambiance of this festival, with thousands of lamps flickering in the calm waters of the Ganga, provides spiritual peace and divine experience to all the devotees and tourists.

Dev Deepawali is not just a festival celebrated in Varanasi, but a divine experience that reflects the spiritual essence of Hindu traditions. It symbolizes devotion, light, and the victory of Dharma, which awakens a deep spiritual feeling in the hearts of all the participants.