Now Varanasi, the erstwhile Kashi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together, yet the serenity remains intact. It is quite difficult for people to understand the value and significance of a place even after thousands of years of its contribution to the nation. It is said that Lord Shiva desired to live in Kashi and now people from all over the world desire to live here once in their lifetime. That is the kind of beauty and peace that unfolds.
All these can be experienced together and brought to life during Diwali celebrations in the city. Mind you Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in the city of Varanasi and also has a different meaning from the entire nation. The real magic of Diwali can be seen after the 15 days of the festival on the day of Kartik Purnima when the heavens literally fall here.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Post-Diwali known as Dev Deepawali is one of the main highlights of the country of peace and spirituality. This day is known to be the Diwali of the Gods and the Gods come to the Ghats in Varanasi to celebrate their part of the festival. The view is unbelievably divine on the Ghats of Varanasi, which is anyway the epitome of serenity and direct connection with the gods.
Meaning of Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva who defeated three demons namely Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana, collectively known as Tripurasura. Lord Shiva defeated them and destroyed the three cities created by the demons, which is also why this day is called ‘Triporotsav’. Therefore, it is believed that the Gods come to celebrate the victory in the city of Lord Shiva every year in the month of Kartik which is November.
Rituals of Dev Deepawali
Since Dev Deepawali is the last day of Diwali celebrations and has immense importance and value to the holy land, the rituals are also quite compelling. The day begins with ‘Kartik Snan’, a sacred bath in the river Ganga in the early hours of the morning. This is later concluded with the lighting of oil lamps on the steps of the banks of the river, which is an ornament of immortality and can steal the show every day. Then 24 Brahmins perform 24 holy chants and Vedic mantras along with ‘Ganga Arti’. The ‘Ganga Arti’ of Varanasi is a beautiful sight that will hold your feet and leave you unconscious and speechless for a while. A group of Brahmins holding a large Artis and moving it to and fro in unison is a feast for the eyes. The vision stays with you forever once you witness the splendour.
What to expect from Dev Deepawali?
Honestly, the celebration of Dev Deepawali is bigger and grander than one would think or celebrate till today. Just visiting the place at this time decontaminates all your thoughts and negativity in a split second and that is what Varanasi holds. Everything about the place is extraordinary, including this sedative festival, which is still unknown to many.
