Why we celebrate
Dev Deepawali is the festival of lights in Varanasi, when the ghats of the Ganga are lit with countless lamps on the full moon of Kartik.
Varanasi regional tradition
Festival Profile
Dev Deepawali
Festival of lights in Varanasi, lighting lamps along the Ganga ghats.
Dev Deepawali is the festival of lights in Varanasi, when the ghats of the Ganga are lit with countless lamps on the full moon of Kartik.
When
Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali (October-November).
Since when it is followed
Dev Deepawali has been celebrated in Varanasi for centuries.
Varanasi tradition
Who celebrates / for whom
Celebrated in Varanasi and along the Ganga by Hindus.
Origin
The origin is the belief that on Kartik Purnima the gods descend to bathe in the Ganga; the ghats are lit to welcome them.
Varanasi tradition; Kartik Purnima
Key deities
The river goddess Ganga and the deities who descend to bathe in her.
How to celebrate
Light rows of lamps on the ghats, perform the Ganga aarti, and offer prayers and diyas to the river.
Rituals & offerings
Lighting of lamps on the ghats, Ganga aarti, and the offering of diyas.
Key facts
Dev Deepawali falls fifteen days after Diwali, on Kartik Purnima.
Regional tradition