The Ghats of Varanasi were lit up for Dev Diwali. And this time, it wasn’t just with diyas (earthen lamps) and lights, but a laser show was part of the grand celebration.
In Varanasi, Dev Diwali is celebrated 15 days after Diwali, on the night of kaartik purnima (the 15th lunar day of Kaartik, i.e. November-December).
Diwali was celebrated on 7 November this year.
The 87 ghats of Varanasi were adorned with diyas as devotees take part in the Ganga Mahotsav, a five-day festival. As the sun set, the serene waters of Ganga reflected the flickering lights as a proof of why the stunning spectacle draws tourists from across the world.
The Beliefs Behind Dev Diwali
According to the shastras (Hindu scripture), Dev Diwali is the day when Lord Shiva defeated the Tripurasurs. To celebrate his triumph, the Gods light the diyas.
It is believed that on this day, all the Gods descend from the heaven to Lord Shiva’s town, Kashi, on the banks of the Ganga to celebrate Diwali.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)