On the bustling ghats of Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, Diwali is celebrated twice. It's the only place in the world to do it this way.
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15 days after Diwali, it's said that Gods descend to celebrate Lord Shiva's triumph over Tripurasura. Dev Deepawali is a Festival of light, of Gods.
Here are the humans of the divine celebration.
Pradeep is connected to the River Ganga – the river where Gods descend to bathe. In his boat, Pradeep takes tourists around the Puja pandals on the ghats.
"I earn only once a year during Diwali. I'll have to renovate this (boat), spending Rs 5,000 to be able to earn Rs 20,000-25,000"
Prem Shankar Yadav has a huge responsibility – safety of over a lakh people visiting Dev Deepawali. It's his first posting here.
"The security arrangements are really tight. We're on duty from 12 (midnight), and around 2:30-3 am, the devotees started coming in. No untoward incidents like chain-snatching have been reported"
Roshan came from Israel to see his friend Murli. They jam together, and will be performing at a mini concert in Dev Deepawali.
"I love India very, very much. India is in my heart"
For the past four years, Pankaj Chaudhary has been brightening up the ghats, with the decorative lights he puts for Dev Deepawali.
Pappu rows a boat in Ganga, but takes time out to join the celebrations. He sells diyas and flowers twice a year – Chathh Puja, and Diwali season.
"The sales are down this year. Last year I got 5 sets of garlands, which got sold out. This year I only got 2 sets, and yet half a set is still lying unsold"
Lights will guide you home
Lights will guide you home
Indian Army, Navy and Air Force officers perform in the closing ceremony.