Dev Deepavali 2024 in Varanasi - A Celebration of Lights and Divinity | |
Dev Deepavali , also known as Dev Diwali, is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals celebrated in Varanasi, India. Occurring 15 days after the grand Diwali festival, Dev Deepavali marks the occasion when the gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the holy Ganges River. This celebration is particularly special in Varanasi, the city considered the spiritual capital of India, where the festivities are marked by a display of devotion, light, and grandeur that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from around the world. Date of Dev Deepavali in 2024: In 2024, Dev Deepavali will be celebrated on November 15. The festival falls on the full moon night (Kartik Purnima) of the Hindu month of Kartik, a month already considered auspicious due to its association with various religious activities. This timing is of great importance as it follows the lunar calendar, making the full moon night a perfect time for divine celebrations and rituals. Importance and Religious Significance of Dev Deepavali - Dev Deepavali is not just a festival of lights but is deeply rooted in Hindu cultural ethos and religious scriptures. According to ancient beliefs, on this day, the gods (Devas) come down from the heavens to bathe in the holy Ganges, blessing the river with divine presence. The festival signifies the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, which is why it is also known as Tripurotsav. Tripurasura was a powerful demon who conquered the three worlds and created havoc. After relentless battles and prayers from the gods, Lord Shiva was granted the power to destroy Tripurasura. He did so on Kartik Purnima, marking this day as a celebration of divine intervention and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The festival is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, emphasizing its religious importance. The Skanda Purana and other texts describe the day as one when the gods gather to celebrate the destruction of the evil forces, making the Ganges even more sacred on this occasion. Bathing in the Ganges on Kartik Purnima is believed to absolve devotees of their sins and grant them moksha (liberation). The Grand Celebration of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi: Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is the epicenter of Dev Deepavali celebrations. The city, already steeped in spirituality and tradition, transforms into a mystical land of lights, rituals, and cultural performances during this festival. The grandeur of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi is unparalleled, drawing both domestic and international visitors. The most striking aspect of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi is the illumination of the ghats along the Ganges. Over a million earthen lamps (diyas) are lit by devotees, lining the steps of the ghats, the riverbanks, and the temples. This spectacle of light, reflected on the serene waters of the Ganges, creates a breathtaking view that is often described as a spiritual and visual feast. The main ritual involves devotees lighting lamps after performing a ritual bath in the Ganges. The ghats, including the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat, are beautifully decorated, with elaborate rangolis and flowers adding to the festive atmosphere. Ganga Aarti: A Divine Offering - One of the highlights of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti, a ritual that is performed every evening on the ghats, but with extra grandeur during this festival. The Aarti is a choreographed performance involving fire, incense, and rhythmic chanting of Vedic hymns, all performed by priests in traditional attire. The sight of thousands of oil lamps floating on the Ganges during the Aarti is a mesmerizing experience, symbolizing the lighting of the divine path for the deities who are believed to descend on Earth on this night. Cultural Events and Processions: The Dev Deepavali celebrations in Varanasi are also marked by various cultural events and religious processions. Devotees and visitors can witness classical music and dance performances, recitations of holy scriptures, and traditional rituals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. The processions, often led by priests and involving large idols of deities, move through the narrow lanes of the old city, accompanied by the sounds of drums, conch shells, and chanting. | |
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Target Nation: All Nations Target City : All Cities Last Update : 16 August 2024 4:54 AM Number of Views: 29 | Item Owner : Anshumali Tiwari Contact Email: Contact Phone: 91-981022217 |
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