Dev Diwali is highly important in Hinduism. Every year, exactly 15 days after Diwali, the festival of Dev Diwali is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima. It is believed that on this day, all the gods and goddesses, including Lord Shiva, come to Kashi. According to the scriptures, it is considered special to worship Lord Shiva along with bathing, donating, and lighting lamps on this day.
Why is Dev Diwali celebrated?
It is believed that on the full moon day of Kartik month, Lord Shiva killed a demon named Tripurasura. After this, there was an atmosphere of happiness among the gods, due to which all the gods and goddesses, including Lord Shiva, came to earth and celebrated by lighting lamps. This is also called Tripurari Purnima. Apart from this, Lord Vishnu took the Matsya avatar on this day.
Significance of Dev Diwali in Varanasi
Dev Diwali in Varanasi has always been a part of Kashi and every year people from all over the world reach Varanasi to celebrate Dev Diwali and become a part of Dev Diwali. Kashi Dev, situated on the banks of the Ganga, looks decorated like a bride on the day of Diwali, whose adornment is done by earthen lamps and the noise of people instead of jewelry. The 84 ghats built on the banks of the Ganga shine with lights and the sky’s darkness sparkles with fireworks, seeing that no one can welcome the gods better than Kashi.
People select the boats and sailors floating in the Ganga in advance so that they can comfortably watch the Ganga Aarti and fireworks. At the same time, flowers and lamps also choose which corner of the ghat they want to decorate. Now, they just have to wait for the evening.