Varanasi’s dazzling colours: Dev Diwali celebrations illuminate the divine city

New Delhi: Varanasi, the ancient city situated on the banks of Ganga, is gearing up for a divine celebration as it prepares to celebrate “Dev Diwali”, the bright festival often referred to as the “Diwali of the Gods”. With the city sparkling in a sea of lights and vibrant decorations, the festival promises to be a breathtaking sight.

Dev Diwali, scheduled on the full moon day of the Hindu Kartik month, is celebrated fifteen days after Diwali. The riverside ghats, stretching from Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat, will be transformed into a mesmerizing panorama illuminated by over one lakh earthen lamps, paying homage to the sacred river Ganga and its divine goddess.

The festivities are set to include a dazzling show of firecrackers, lasers and a symphony of music under the enchanting moonlit sky. The streets, intersections and prominent places of the city are already lit up, creating a picturesque sight. The Chief Minister’s Office has announced a plan to decorate the crescent-shaped Ganga Ghats of Kashi with garlands of lamps, which has further increased the attraction.

Tourists and locals alike will be in for a treat, as the festival promises a mix of vibrant fireworks, laser displays and divine tunes and hymns of Lord Shiva. A particularly captivating element is the green aerial firecracker show covering a distance of about a kilometer over the sand in front of the Ganga Gate of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

Dev Diwali holds historical significance, commemorating the victory of Lord Shiva over the trio of demons named Tripurasura-Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha. Lord Shiva, taking the form of Tripurari, defeated him with a single arrow.

The annual celebration of Dev Diwali in Varanasi is a spiritual journey for the followers of Lord Shiva. Devotees perform puja and take a holy dip in the river Ganga. It is believed that on this day, the gods descend from heaven to participate in the festivities at the ghats of Varanasi. Homes, temples and public places are decorated with intricate rangoli designs and rows of lamps.

Prime Minister Modi, along with the Yogi Adityanath government, has increased Dev Diwali from a local festival to a global event. With 7 to 8 lakh devotees expected to be in attendance this year, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure stringent security measures for the safe and joyous celebration of this divine and grand festival in the heart of Varanasi. Get ready to see Varanasi transformed into a divine canvas, painting the night sky with the divine glow of Dev Diwali.