India is a very diverse and culturally rich country, which celebrates thousands of festivals. These festivals can range from the ones celebrated pan – India to the hyper-specific ones only celebrated by a small community. In a diverse landscape like ours, Dev Diwali in Varanasi stands out.
ABOUT DEV DIWALI
Dev Diwali is celebrated on the Kartik Purnima, which usually falls 15 days after Diwali. It is known as “Diwali of the Gods”, as it marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. According to Hindu mythology, Tripurasura, along with his brothers, created three invincible cities and wreaked havoc on the world. When the gods asked Lord Shiva for aid, he vanished the demon with a single blow. To celebrate this triumph, it is said the gods descend to Varanasi’s ghats and bathe in the Ganga river.
Unlike Diwali, which people across India celebrate, Dev Diwali is rooted in Varanasi. The city comes alive in the evening, especially along the ghats of the Ganga, where the celebrations are grand and full of energy. People from across the world gather in Varanasi to witness the glow of millions of diya, Ganga Aarti, and the fireworks. Experiencing a Dev Diwali boat ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is also very spiritually and religiously significant, as it weaves reality with the sacred. Temples and homes are decorated along with all 80+ ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Panchganga Ghat, creating a divine ambiance.
GANGA AARTI
One of the main focal points of Dev Diwali is the Ganga Aarti, it is performed at every major Ghat. Priests dressed in traditional attire chant mantras in unison, move their ceremonial lamps in perfect unison. The smell of incense fills the air, and watching the whole scene from a boat surrounded by the Ganga adds tremendously to the experience.
VISUALLY BEAUTIFUL
Imagine sailing through the Ganga surrounded by thousands, if not millions, of diyas, each carrying the hopes and prayers of someone. Surrounded by the crackling sound of firecrackers, it is a visually stunning experience. It offers incredible photo opportunities and beautifully represents the spiritual essence of our country, whether you’re an amateur capturing personal memories or a professional photographer seeking the perfect shot.
TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS
People start their day on Dev Diwali with a holy dip in the Ganga, which is believed to wash one’s sins away. Then temples and ghats offer special prayers, and devotees participate in different rituals. They float a diya in the river as a tribute to their ancestors, this process is called “Deepdan”.
Visiting Varanasi during any festival also means encountering the city’s traditional arts and crafts, including the famous Banarasi sarees and handcrafted brassware. Do not miss a chance to grab those.
CULTURAL DELIGHT
Dev Diwali brings together deep-rooted religious traditions and lively cultural festivities. The festival sees many musical and dance performances on the ghats from artists around the country. The city also witnesses processions of deities from temples, where the devotees join in singing hymns and dancing. There is an air of celebration all around.
FESTIVAL DELICACIES
No Indian festival is complete without delicious food, and Dev Diwali is no exception. You can smell freshly made Kachoris, Jalebis, and Banarasi Paan on every corner. Local eateries offer festive treats while stalls close to the ghats offer hot chai and snacks, making the whole experience more enjoyable.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
The festival is not just a religious or a visually stunning festival, but also an extremely spiritual one. It is a deeply emotional journey that reminds of the connection between humans, divinity, and nature. Sitting in a boat and having a panoramic view of the diyas floating on the river, the illuminated ghats, the Ganga aarti, and the fireworks reminds you of the beauty and the transient nature of life.
TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
One of the most useful tips that will help you with your experience is to book everything in advance. This is the most important tip, as everything is booked around the time of the festival, and any hotel or services available at the time are extremely overcharged. Booking your Dev Diwali boat ride in advance is also a good idea. Pre booking everything can be a lifesaver as it gets very crowded and can get overwhelming. Having a clear plan of what to see and where to go makes exploring a new city much easier and more enjoyable.
