Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi, marking Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. The ghats of the Ganga dazzle with lamps, creating a divine show as devotees honour the gods with prayers, lights, and offerings.
In 2025, Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on November 05, fifteen days after Diwali. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, making Varanasi the most illuminated city on Earth for one magical evening.
According to legends, after Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, the gods dive to Varanasi to celebrate his victory. Hence, Dev Deepawali is known as the day when the gods themselves light lamps on Earth.
Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga at sunrise, perform Deepdan by lighting lamps, and participate in Ganga aarti after sunset. Homes and temples glow with diyas, spreading the message of light over darkness.
On Dev Deepawali, Varanasi turns into a heavenly paradise. Both locals and visitors are mesmerised by the sight of the sacred Ganga reflected in golden light from 84 ghats illuminated by more than a million earthen lamps.
Conch shells, fire lamps, and chanting are used in coordinated ceremonies performed by priests wearing saffron. Every viewer finds the feeling to be heavenly and deeply moving as the big Ganga aarti produces a mystical beat.
Countless diyas, which stand for peace and devotion, gently float on the Ganga as night falls. Dev Deepawali is a celestial experience on Earth, marked by the glittering river, brilliant rangolis, and decorated ghats.