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The festive season in India never really ends, does it? If Diwali’s vibrant colours and joy left you wanting more, get ready to do it all over again for Dev Deepawali 2024. According to the Hindu calendar, people celebrate Dev Deepawali 11 days after the main Diwali festival, which falls on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima.
Dev Deepawali 2024 Dates and Timings
- Dev Diwali 2024 Date: 15th November, 2024 (Friday)
- Pradoshkal Dev Diwali Muhurat: 05:10 PM to 07:47
- Purnima Tithi Start: 15th November 2024 at 06:19 AM
- Purnima Tithi ends: 16th November 2024 at 02:58 AM
What is Dev Diwali?
Dev Deepawali literally means ‘Diwali of the Gods’. The people celebrate the festival in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. They derive its name from the fact that on this day, they light millions of earthen lamps on the ghats of Varanasi.
Moreover, on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat, are lit with more than a million earthen lamps. The glittering lights brighten the river Ganges, reflecting its glow in the waters. The devotees move to the ghats to offer prayers to Ganga Maiyya.
Furthermore, the spiritual event is a sight to behold. As the moon rises, the lights from the lamps make the river shimmer and glow. In Dev Diwali Varanasi, the gods descend to Earth on this day to bathe in the Ganges. Hence, the ghats are spectacularly decorated to welcome the gods.
Significance of Dev Deepawali
At Dev Deepawali 2024, wait for the fireworks to light up the sky above the Ganga ghats in Varanasi, adding to the festive cheer. If you find yourself in North India around this time, witnessing the celebrations in Varanasi should definitely be on your bucket list.
- For Hindus, Dev Deepawali holds great religious significance. On this day, the Gods awaken from their sleep and travel to Earth.
- Dipping in the Ganges on Dev Deepawali can wash away sins and bring prosperity.
- This festival is an opportunity to strengthen your connection with the divine.
- The day signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
- People offer puja to the Gods and pray for prosperity, happiness and peace.
- Dev Deepawali is indeed an extension of the Diwali festivities. Though not as popular as Diwali, Dev Deepawali is celebrated with equal enthusiasm, especially in the holy city of Varanasi.
The Story Behind Dev Deepawali
In Hindu mythology, people worship various Gods and Goddesses during Dev Deepawali to celebrate the practice of good triumphing over evil. There are various fascinating stories in Hinduism regarding the festival.
In mythology, Lord Vishnu defeated the demon king Bali, who then granted him the ability to return to Earth once a year. This day fell on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, 11 days after Diwali. The people of Varanasi celebrate King Bali’s return by lighting millions of earthen lamps.
Another interesting mythology related to the day is the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasur. To celebrate the victory of right over wrong, a demon, the festival is also known as Triporuttsav or Tripuri Purnima.
Moreover, Dev Diwali Banaras also celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Karthik, the son of Lord Shiva and the God of war. On this day, Gods and Goddesses visit the Earth on Karthik Purnima. Another story says that Lord Vishnu got his first avatar or incarnation—“Matsya”—on this day. Therefore, like every year, Dev Deepawali 2024 will be a day to welcome Gods and Goddesses as they arrive on Earth with various diyas and Dev Diwali rangoli designs.
Ganga Mahotsav 2024: Celebrating Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
The holiest city in India, Varanasi, celebrates Dev Deepawali in significant ways, including the Ganga Aarti and a boat ride in the Kashi Ganga river. Other spiritual additions also enhance the day, making it more memorable and meaningful. This event, known as the Ganga Mahotsav, or the Ganga festival Varanasi, is famous for its celebrations.
1. The Ganga Aarti
The spectacular Ganga Aarti takes place every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The riverfront comes alive with divas, flowers and chanting of hymns as priests worship the Ganges with fire and prayers.
2. Boat Rides
You can participate in the aarti or watch the ceremony from the ghats or boat on the river. Witnessing this breathtaking scene of the river glow while floating in the Ganges is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Moreover, the boat ride offers a peaceful moment to reflect and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the festival.
3. Cultural Performances
The festival also features vibrant cultural performances like folk dances of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthani folk music, Kathak dance performances, etc. Renowned artists and dance troupes from all over India come to Varanasi during this time to showcase their talent.
4. Handicraft fair
Artisans from different parts of India set up stalls along the ghats to display and sell a variety of handicrafts, textiles, accessories, etc., at an organised handicraft fair. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to buy traditional Indian handicrafts.
Dev Deepawali Rituals (Pooja Vidhi)
The Dev Deepawali festival involves some important rituals and poojas to worship the holy river Ganges.
- People wake up early and take a holy bath in the Ganges River, called Kartik Snan.
- People offer prayers and puja to the Gods at home and in temples.
- Diyas and candles are lit all around the house and in temples to signify the victory of light over darkness.
- Dev Diwali Rangoli patterns are made at the entrance of homes using coloured powder, rice, or flower petals.
- Once all is set, offerings and Vedic mantras are chanted. It starts by worshipping and offering flowers to Lord Ganesha and, alongside, worshipping Lord Shiva’s family and incarnations.
- Diyas, or earthen lamps, are offered to 45 young girls and 21 Brahmins, called the Deepdaan.
- Then, Akhand Ramayan (reciting the sacred scripture of Ramayan) is organised. In the end, everyone is offered food called Bhoj on the ghats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Dev Diwali 2024?
2. Why is Dev Diwali celebrated?
3. How is Dev Deepavali celebrated?
4. What is the difference between Dev Deepavali and Diwali?
5. Do people light up their homes for Dev Deepavali?
6. Are fireworks a part of the Dev Deepavali celebrations?
Also Read: Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: History and Significance of Gurupurab
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