Copyright timesnownews
As the November aur turns cold, Varanasi turns into an unbelievably celestial sight. The sacred river Ganga begins to shimmer — not from the moon above, but from the countless clay diyas that line her banks. Dev Deepawali, the “Festival of Lights of the Gods,” is an experience where the earthly and the devine meet. Is Dev Deepawali different from Diwali? Yes, it is. While Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s homecoming, Dev Deepawali belongs to the Gods themselves. It is believed to be God's descent to Earth to witness the triumph of good over evil. When is Dev Deepawali 2025? Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on November 5, 2025 (Wednesday), exactly fifteen days after Diwali. Dev Deepawali coincides with and is celebrated along with Purnima, the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is believed to be the most sacred night of the year for bathing in the Ganga and offering light to the divine. Tithi and Muhurat: Purnima Tithi Begins: 4 November 2025, 10:36 PM Purnima Tithi Ends: 5 November 2025, 6:48 PM Dev Deepawali Muhurat (Pradosh Kaal): 5:15 PM – 7:50 PM The Pradosh Kaal, or twilight period, is when the Ganga Aarti is performed — a breathtaking ritual of flame, faith, and sound that draws pilgrims, locals, and travelers from across the world. The Story Behind Dev Deepawali Dev Deepawali celebrates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. In gratitude, they come to the ghats of Kashi to celebrate the victory. The festival’s name itself means “Diwali of the Gods.” While Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali celebrates the gods’ own moment of joy and renewal. As the diyas flicker along the river, their light is mirrored in the slow-moving waters. The sound of temple bells mingles with chants, and the scent of ghee lamps and marigolds fills the night air. How Varanasi Comes Alive No other city celebrates Dev Deepawali quite like Varanasi. The preparations start days in advance — ghats are freshly painted, streets are cleaned properly, and temples are dressed in garlands. The devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga on the morning of Kartik Purnima. Fact: Kartik Snan is believed to erase karmic impurities and cleanse one’s soul. As dusk approaches, the magic begins. The priests lit thousands of brass lamps during the Ganga Aarti, their synchronised movements creating a hypnotic dance of fire. Imagine boats drifting on the river looking like floating constellations, each carrying rows of glowing diyas—offerings to the ancestors and gods, known as Deep Daan. That's not all; families perform Pitru Tarpan, offering prayers to forefathers. Rituals and Traditions Illuminating Diyas: When night arrives, houses and shrines are illuminated with clay lamps, thought to eradicate ignorance and attract divine favor. Fasting and Prayer: Numerous individuals undertake a full day of fasting, concluding it only after completing the evening puja for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Reciting Mantras: The atmosphere vibrates with the sounds of Om Namah Shivaya and Om Gange Namah, calling forth peace and divine grace. Every action — regardless of its simplicity — is believed to possess great spiritual strength, particularly when done with genuine intent. Illuminating the Inner Light Beyond the display of lights and ceremonies awaits the core of Dev Deepawali — enlightenment of the inner being. Lighting a diya, worshippers feel, serves not just as a gift to the deities but as a prompt to awaken consciousness within — to face ignorance, pride, and rage, and transform them into understanding and kindness. The festival encourages contemplation: to consider what illumination we can introduce into our lives and how we can extend that glow to others. Commemorating Dev Deepawali at Home You don’t have to be at the ghats of Varanasi to experience the essence of the festival. Here’s how you can see it from your own house: Illuminate Diyas: Light lamps at 5:15 PM and position them at windows, balconies, and doorways. Make Prayers: Take a few moments for contemplation. Respect Ancestors: Present flowers or illuminate a diya in their remembrance. Adorn with Intention: Simplicity is key — marigolds, rangolis, and incense are sufficient for ambiance. Distribute Light: Assist the less fortunate, provide meals, or extend kind words. Did You Know? Every year, more than a million diyas light the ghats of Varanasi during Dev Deepawali. It appears to be a river of molten gold — a sight so stunning that even aerial photographers compare it to “a river of stars flowing through the city of gods.”
