Dev Deepawali 2024 in Varanasi: Date, Locations, Events, and More

Dev Deepawali, celebrated in Varanasi, is a grand festival that lights up the entire city. Held on Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of the Hindu month Kartik, Dev Deepawali occurs 15 days after Diwali and marks the conclusion of the Ganga Mahotsav. This year, Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on November 15, 2024.

The festival also coincides with other significant events such as Guru Nanak Jayanti and the Jain Light Festival, adding to its spiritual significance.

Dev Deepawali Date 2024

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Dev Deepawali, not to be confused with Diwali, takes place every year on Kartik Poornima, 15 days after Diwali. This year, the celebration will fall on November 15, 2024.

Why Varanasi is Special During Dev Deepawali?

For many spiritual seekers, Varanasi is a dream destination. Known as the City of Temples, it becomes an even more divine spectacle during Dev Deepawali. The city, often called the City of Light, transforms into a realm of celestial beauty, with its ghats and temples illuminated by thousands of diyas.

The celebrations of Dev Deepawali begin with prayers to Lord Ganesh (Ganesh Vandana) and the lighting of diyas (deepdaan) by 21 Brahmins and 41 young girls. Vedic chants resonate in the air as devotees offer prayers. People also take a holy dip in the Ganga on this day, a ritual called Kartik Snan, believed to cleanse one of the sins.

In many homes, an Akhand Ramayan (continuous reading of the Ramayana) is organized, followed by a feast, or Bhoj offered to the people.

Honoring Martyrs at the Ghats

Dev Deepawali is not just a religious event; it also honours martyrs. At Dashashwamedh Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat, wreaths are laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, and members of the armed forces offer prayers. Patriotic songs are sung to pay tribute to the brave soldiers.

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The sight of Varanasi’s ghats during Dev Deepawali is magical. Every ghat, every temple, is illuminated with thousands of diyas. It's believed that the Gods descend to Varanasi on this auspicious occasion to take a dip in the Ganga. Tourists from across the world visit Varanasi to witness this stunning event.

The Ganga Aarti performed on Dev Deepawali is the most elaborate of the year. Dashashwamedh Ghat becomes a focal point, drawing huge crowds from around the world. This aarti, held in the evening, is a sight to behold with its intricate rituals and the glow of countless earthen lamps.

Other ghats like Assi Ghat, Reeva Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, and Kedar Ghat also witness grand celebrations.

Also Read: When is Diwali 2024: Date, timings, significance, and more

The Ganga Mahotsav

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The Ganga Mahotsav begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi and lasts for five days, culminating in Dev Deepawali. The festival is a cultural celebration of Varanasi’s heritage, with performances by artists like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Chhanulal Mishra, and Birju Maharaj.

It is also an opportunity to savour the delicacies of Banaras, with a mini-fair showcasing dishes like Banarasi chaats, Bati Chokha, and Mughlai cuisine.

Plan Your Trip to Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

Given its immense popularity, hotels in Varanasi are booked months in advance for Dev Deepawali. If you plan to visit, it’s best to book early. One of the highlights of the event is taking a boat ride along the Ganga to witness the stunning display of lights across the ghats.

A Memory to Last a Lifetime

The city’s architecture, shaped like a bow along the Ganga, becomes a glowing spectacle during Dev Deepawali. Whether you're viewing the festival from a boat or walking through the bustling streets, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is an experience you'll never forget. The sight of the illuminated ghats, the spiritual ambience, and the cultural richness of the festival will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024: Date, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, Rituals and More