Dev Diwali 2024: The history, significance, and the story behind the festival of lights

Dev Diwali 2024: Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is a revered Hindu festival primarily celebrated in Varanasi. It occurs 15 days after Diwali on the full moon night (Kartik Purnima) of the Hindu month of Kartik.

The festival honors Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura and is marked by lighting thousands of oil lamps (diyas) along the ghats of the Ganga River, accompanied by prayers, rituals, and grand processions. Known as the "Diwali of the Gods," Dev Diwali attracts countless devotees and tourists to the sacred city of Varanasi, creating a mesmerising spectacle of lights and devotion.

When is Dev Diwali celebrated?

In 2024, Dev Diwali falls on November 15, 15 days after Diwali. The celebrations align with the Poornima Tithi, which starts at noon on November 15 and ends at 5:10 pm on November 19. The Pradosh Kal Dev Diwali Mahurat, a significant time for prayers, will be from 5:10 pm to 7:47 pm on November 26, 2024. Varanasi holds special importance for the festival, where the holy ghats are illuminated, and rituals are performed to honor Lord Shiva.

Why is Dev Diwali celebrated?

Dev Diwali commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over the three demons, Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana—collectively known as Tripurasura. After receiving a powerful boon from Lord Brahma, these demons wreaked havoc on Earth, causing chaos and destruction. To restore peace, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Tripurari and destroyed the demons with a single arrow. This act is celebrated as a victory of good over evil.

Apart from this, some people observe Dev Diwali as the birth anniversary of Lord Karthik, the God of War and son of Lord Shiva. Others believe it marks the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated in his first form, "Matsya," or fish.

In addition to its religious significance, Dev Diwali in Varanasi is also a day of patriotic tribute. On this day, the martyrs of the Indian armed forces are honored at the ghats, remembering those who laid down their lives for the nation.

Dev Diwali celebration

Dev Diwali holds immense value in Varanasi, where devotees from across the country gather to witness the spectacular event. The day begins with "Kartik Snan," where devotees take an early morning dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River. Homes are decorated with rangoli, candles, and diyas. Devotees often recite the Akhand Ramayan, and the Bhog (offerings) is distributed.

The grand highlight of the festival is the lighting of diyas along the ghats of Varanasi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other holy cities. Thousands of earthen lamps line the banks of the Ganga, creating a stunning display of light and spirituality. The day culminates with the Ganga Aarti, a powerful and moving ritual where priests chant holy mantras and perform synchronized movements with large oil lamps, creating a divine spectacle.

Significance of Dev Diwali in Varanasi

For devotees, Varanasi is the ultimate spiritual destination, especially during Dev Diwali. Known as the "City of Lights," Varanasi takes on an ethereal glow, becoming a heavenly abode during the festival. Dev Diwali offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the city beautifully illuminated and brimming with spiritual energy.

Wishing you a Happy Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali is a time for light, devotion, and heartfelt wishes. Sending warm wishes on this sacred occasion can bring peace and happiness to 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."
• "On this Dev Diwali, may the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace and happiness to your home."
• "May the holy festival of Dev Diwali fill your life with light and positivity."

Facts about Varanasi you should know

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, holds many unique attributes:

• It is the oldest living city in the world, named after the rivers Varuna and Asi.
• Varanasi boasts 84 ghats, making it the city with the most river banks globally.
• The Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest universities offering studies in Hindu scriptures.
• Varanasi is the birthplace of legendary artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
• The city is famous for festivals like the Dhrupad music festival and the Ganga Mahotsav in November.
• It is also the largest seller of Banarasi silk.

Dev Diwali 2024 is a grand, spiritual, and awe-inspiring event that every devotee should experience. The holy city of Varanasi shines brightest during this festival, offering a truly divine experience with its majestic Ganga Aarti, illuminated ghats, and sacred rituals.

Also Read: Banana milkshakes at langar: A delicious twist on Sikh community tradition goes viral!