Significance
Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali. Millions of diyas are lit on the ghats of the Ganga. It is believed that the gods descend to bathe in the Ganga on this night.
Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura on this day. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps (Dev Deepawali). It is also the day when the Ganga is believed to have descended to earth. Kartik Purnima is considered the most auspicious day for a dip in the Ganga.
Rituals & Observances
- At sunset, take a dip in the Ganga at the ghats of Varanasi or any sacred river.
- Light earthen diyas and float them on the river; offer flowers and incense.
- Decorate the ghats with rangoli and lamps; participate in the grand aarti.
- Chant mantras and sing bhajans; offer prasad to the river.
- Keep the lamps lit throughout the night as an offering to the gods.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ गंगे च यमुने चैव
oṃ gaṃge ca yamune caiva
O Ganga and Yamuna
Traditional Foods
- ●Prasad
- ●Sattvic meals
- ●Sweets
Regional Variations
Varanasi(देव दीपावली)
Lakhs of diyas on ghats
Uttar Pradesh(देव दीपावली)
Ganga snan, diya offering
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Light diyas at the ghats
- ✓Take a holy dip
- ✓Offer flowers to Ganga
- ✓Participate in aarti
Don'ts
- ✗Do not pollute the river
- ✗Avoid pushing in crowds
- ✗Do not leave lamps unlit