Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Varanasi. It takes place 15 days after Diwali, on the full moon night (Kartik Purnima) of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura and is celebrated with lighting lamps (diyas) along the ghats of the Ganga River, as well as prayers, rituals, and processions. Dev Diwali is also known as “Diwali of the Gods” for its grand display of lights and devotion, attracting many devotees and tourists to the holy city of Varanasi.
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Every year, Lord Shiva's devotees celebrate Dev Diwali 2024 by taking a dip in the holy waters of Ganga in Varanasi and offering Pooja. It is believed that the Devas (Gods) come down from heaven on this day in the Ghats of Varanasi to celebrate their part of the festival. Keep reading to learn about the festival in detail:
Dev Diwali 2024 Date - Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Poornima, which falls about 15 days after Diwali. In 2024, Dev Deepawali will be observed on November 15. According to Drikpanchang, the Poornima Tithi starts at noon on November 15, 2024, and ends at 5:10 PM on November 19, 2024. The Puja (prayer) is done during the Pradosh Mahurat. As per the panchang, the Pradosh Kal Dev Diwali Mahurat will be from 5:10 PM to 7:47 PM on November 26, 2024. This festival is especially significant in the holy city of Varanasi, where it is celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
Devotees believe that on this day, the gods descend to Earth to take a dip in the sacred Ganga River. As a result, the ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps (diyas), creating a spectacular sight. Rituals and prayers are conducted to honour Lord Shiva, marking his victory over the demon Tripurasura.
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There are many stories behind the celebration of Dev Diwali. On the one hand, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita & brother Laksman after defeating Ravana, King of Lanka, after 14 years of exile. The celebrations of Diwali don’t stop here. To understand what is Dev Diwali and why Dev Diwali is celebrated, let us take you to the past.
Dev Diwali takes place 15 days after Diwali. It marks an end to the Diwali celebrations and concludes the Tulsi Vivah ritual. To experience the festive joy, one must visit the Ghats of Varanasi.
Dev Diwali is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, who gained victory over three demons, namely Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana, together known as Tripurasura. They successfully obtained Lord Brahma's blessings by performing a rigorous penance that they would not die until they were shot to death by a single arrow. After receiving the boon from god, they started destroying the earth. As a result, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Tripurari and shot all three of them to death using a single arrow, restoring happiness, harmony & bliss.
Apart from this story, some people observe the day as the birth anniversary of Lord Karthik, the God of War and the Son of Lord Shiva. This is also believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu entered his first incarnation. “Matsya”.
In addition to the religious significance, Dev Diwali Varanasi also has a patriotic significance. On this day, a remembrance of martyrs of Indian armed forces is performed at the ghats who died fighting for India.
Since Dev Diwali 2024 puts an end to the Diwali celebrations, it holds utmost value & importance for the holy land of Varanasi and some parts of Gujarat. If you want to witness the immense holy & compelling atmosphere, visit Varanasi. The day starts with “Kartik Snan”, where the devotees dip in the holy waters of Ganga in the early morning. People decorate their homes on this day with Rangoli and light candles. They also recite Akhand Ramayan, followed by the distribution of Bhog (offerings).
After that, each Ghat, including the Ganges in Varanasi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and many other cities, are decorated with earthen lamps and Diyas. It looks mesmerising & can steal the show. It is later followed by 24 holy chants & Vedic mantras by 24 Brahmins and Ganga Arti. If you are visiting Varanasi and didn’t witness Ganga Arti in Dev Diwali Varanasi, your trip will be incomplete. A group of Brahmins hold large Artis in their hand and move in a united motion, a great treat to the eyes & ears.
Varanasi is an ideal religious & auspicious destination where people from different countries visit this ancient city to experience the holy atmosphere & spend some days here. Here, they feel blissful breathing in the spiritual practices on the river Ganga’s banks or ghats. They pay a visit to the temples in the city. When the Dev Diwali festival arrives, the city of Varanasi appears as the magnificent abode of the Gods. The city simply exhibits the “City of Lights”. Being on this day in Varanasi is truly a one-time experience.
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Dev Diwali is a festival of lights and devotion, celebrated with great joy in Varanasi. Sending heartfelt wishes on this sacred day can spread positivity, peace, and happiness to your loved ones.
May the divine light of Dev Diwali bring peace, happiness, and prosperity into your life. Happy Dev Diwali!
Wishing you a blessed Dev Diwali filled with joy, good health, and success. May the lamps of Dev Diwali brighten your future.
On this Dev Diwali, may the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace and happiness to your home. Happy Dev Diwali to you and your family!
May the holy festival of Dev Diwali fill your life with light and positivity. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Dev Diwali!
May the lamps of Dev Diwali illuminate your life with wisdom, love, and happiness. Happy Dev Diwali!
Being a holy & spiritual city, Varanasi entertains millions of tourists annually. Here are a few facts about the city that will blow your mind:
Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world, named after two rivers: Varuna and Asi.
It is the only place in the world with 84 ghats, making it a city with the highest number of river banks in the world.
The Banaras Hindu University of Benaras is one of the biggest universities in the world that offer studies in Hindu scriptures or Vedas.
It is the birthplace of renowned artists & musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
The place is also famous for its five-day musical dhrupad festival Tulsi Ghat and Ganga Mahotsav festival in November.
Last but not least, it is the largest seller of Banarasi silk.
No doubt that the celebration of Dev Diwali 2024 is a larger, spiritual & splendid event in Varanasi that every devotee would want to achieve at some point in life. The city is a winner in performing Ganga Arti, where the Ghats are filled with millions of diyas & holy chants. People decorate their homes and offer Prasad. So, if you want to experience the divinity of Dev Diwali, head to the city. Wishing you all a Happy Dev Diwali.
1. How do you do Puja on Dev Diwali?
You should offer prayers & flowers to Lord Ganesha. Then, 21 Brahmins and 41 young girls lighten diyas and chant Vedic mantras.
2. Who celebrates Dev Diwali?
Dev Diwali also known as the “Diwali of Gods” is observed in India, most particularly in the city of Varanasi to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura.
3. How long is Dev Diwali festival observed?
The Dev Diwali festival is usually celebrated after 15 days of Diwali. It is celebrated for one day and the main puja takes place for 2 hours 35 minutes.
4. On which date is Dev Diwali?
Dev Deepawali 2024 Date will be observed on Friday, November 15, coinciding with Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik. This festival is especially significant in the holy city of Varanasi, where it is celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
5. Why is Dev Deepavali celebrated?
Dev Deepavali, also called Dev Diwali, is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva’s victory over a demon named Tripurasura. According to Hindu belief, after this victory, the gods came to Earth to celebrate, which is why it’s called the "Diwali of the Gods."
6. Which God is Worshipped on Dev Diwali?
On Dev Diwali, Lord Shiva is primarily worshipped. The festival celebrates his victory over the demon Tripurasura. Devotees also worship other deities and offer prayers to the gods who are believed to descend to the Earth on this day. In Varanasi, the rituals and prayers are especially grand, with special attention given to Lord Shiva.
7. What is the other name of Dev Diwali?
The other name of Dev Diwali is Tripurotsav or Tripurari Purnima. It is celebrated on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, marking Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura.
8. How is the Dev Diwali celebration carried out in Varanasi?
In Varanasi, the Dev Diwali celebration is carried out with grand rituals and devotion. The ghats along the Ganga River are beautifully lit with thousands of oil lamps (diyas), creating a breathtaking sight. Devotees perform special prayers and rituals, including the famous Ganga Aarti, to honour the gods, particularly Lord Shiva. People also take a holy dip in the Ganga, believing it purifies their souls. Processions, fireworks, and cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists to witness the vibrant celebration.
9. What is the significance of the Dev Diwali Varanasi 2024 rituals and ceremonies?
The Dev Diwali Varanasi 2024 rituals and ceremonies are important because they honour Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. The festival represents the gods coming down to Earth, especially to the Ganga River in Varanasi. Lighting oil lamps on the ghats symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People believe that praying, lighting lamps, and taking a holy dip in the Ganga brings blessings and spiritual cleansing. The ceremonies show deep devotion and are a special part of Varanasi's religious traditions.
10. Are Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima the same?
Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima are related but not exactly the same. Kartik Purnima refers to the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik and is considered a holy day for various religious practices. Dev Diwali (also called Dev Deepawali) is celebrated on Kartik Purnima and marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. So, while Kartik Purnima is the full moon day, Dev Diwali is the specific festival celebrated on this day, especially in Varanasi.