VARANASI — As the Hindu calendar turns to the auspicious month of Kartik, devotees across India prepare for Dev Diwali, a vibrant festival that blends reverence with radiant celebration. Set for November 5, 2025, this event also known as Dev Deepavali marks the joyous Diwali observance in many regions, but it holds particular spiritual weight in Varanasi, where the Ganga’s banks transform into a sea of flickering lamps.
The festival’s core timing aligns with the Purnima Tithi, beginning on November 4 at 10:36 PM and concluding on November 5 at 6:48 PM. For the ideal Pradosh Kaal Dev Deepavali Muhurat, rituals are best performed between 5:15 PM and 7:50 PM on November 5, allowing participants to harness the day’s peak sanctity.
At its heart, Dev Diwali honors Lord Shiva’s legendary conquest of the demon Tripurasur, a victory that symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil. According to tradition, the gods and goddesses descended to Earth on this day to witness and celebrate Shiva’s feat, filling the air with divine presence. In Varanasi, this commemoration unfolds with extraordinary fervor: thousands of earthen diyas are meticulously arranged along the Ganga Ghats, casting a golden glow over the river and illuminating homes and streets alike. Pilgrims from far and wide converge here, drawn by the promise of spiritual renewal.
ALSO READ : Ahmedabad Diwali: 254 fire calls in 6 days; 1 dead, multiple burn injuries treated across civic hospitals
The rituals commence with sacred dips in the Ganga, believed to cleanse the soul and invite blessings. Observant Hindus fast throughout the day, culminating in elaborate pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu for prosperity and protection. As evening descends, homage shifts to Lord Shiva, with prayers of gratitude for his protective might against demonic forces. The highlight arrives at dusk, when devotees offer deep daan gently floating lit lamps into the river’s currents as a symbolic act of surrender and illumination. Temples buzz with chants and incense, while the ghats echo with the soft splash of diyas merging with the holy waters.
This annual spectacle not only revives ancient lore but also fosters a profound sense of community, as families and strangers alike share in the light’s unifying warmth. For those seeking a deeper connection to Hindu heritage, Varanasi’s Dev Diwali stands as an unmissable beacon of faith and festivity.
-
-
-
-
