Know the Reason Why Dev Diwali Is Celebrated on Kartik Purnima

Dev Diwali, or Dev Deepawali, also known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” is a major Hindu festival
celebrated in Varanasi. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (the full moon night of the Hi
month of Kartik), which usually falls 15 days after the more widely celebrated Diwali. he festival
holds special significance in Varanasi, especially the holy river of Ganga. A dip in the river is
what commences the festivities, followed by the ghats being decorated with thousands of diyas
and the Ganga Aarti. Unlike the more popular Diwali, which is celebrated by mortals, Dev Diwali
is the festival of lights for the gods.

Mythological Significance

According to Hindu mythology, Dev Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord
Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. It is believed that there were three demon brothers, namely
Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana. They were collectively known as Tripurasura and had
become invincible because of blessings from Lord Brahma. They built three invincible cities
called Tripura, made of gold, silver, and iron, and began to wreak havoc in the universe. The
gods, feeling helpless, sought help from Lord Shiva.

On the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, when the cities aligned perfectly, Lord Shiva
destroyed Tripura with a single arrow. Lord Shiva, on his celestial chariot, wielding his divine
bow, annihilated Tripurasura and liberated the universe from their tyranny. The gods lit lamps in
the heavens to celebrate this cosmic victory, hence originating the festival of Dev Diwali.

Why is Dev Diwali Celebrated on Kartik Purnima?

Here are 5 reasons why Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima:

● Lord Shiva’s Victory: The primary reason for celebrating Dev Diwali is to celebrate
Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. On Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva
destroyed the three demon cities (Tripura) with a single arrow, symbolizing the victory of
good over evil.
● Gods’ Descent: According to Hindu mythology, on this auspicious day, the gods
descend from heaven to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva and pay their respects. Their
divine presence makes Kartik Purnima spiritually significant.
● Lighting of Diyas: In Varanas, thousands of diyas are lit on the Ganga Ghats to
welcome the gods and honor the victory of Lord Shiva. The shimmering lights symbolize
the removal of darkness and negativity from within.
● Kartik Snan: Devotees start the day with a holy dip in the Ganges, as it is believed that
it washes away their sins and brings prosperity. This ritual is called Kartik Snan, and
holds great religious importance.
● Lord Vishnu’s Awakening: Kartik Purnima also marks the end of Lord Vishnu’s divine
sleep (Yoga Nidra). It is believed that Lord Vishnu awakens from his rest during this
time, making it an auspicious period for worship or any other religious pursuits.

The Celebrations of Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali is celebrated with unmatched grandeur in Varanasi. One of the most unforgettable
experiences is taking a boat ride on Dev Diwali on the Ganga, surrounded by all the
celebrations. As you glide over the holy water illuminated with the light of thousands of diyas,
the aarti lamps, and the fireworks, it creates a mesmerizing visual. The entire city, especially the
ghats, are decorated with thousands of diyas. The celebration starts early at dawn with a dip, in
the holy waters, believed to wash away your sins, called a Kartik Snan. Devotees then perform
various rituals to honor their ancestors and seek divine blessings.

Ganga aarti is one of the most captivating aspects of the festival and the highlight of Dev
Deepawali. Priests dressed in traditional attire move the ceremonial lamps in perfect
synchronised motions, hymns, and the smell of incense fill the air, creating a mesmerizing
environment. Devotees float diyas in the river, casting light on the serene water, creating a
breathtaking scene.

Symbolism and Cultural Relevance

Apart from the religious rituals, cultural performances are organised on the ghats, adding to the
festive atmosphere. Many devotees observe fasts and distribute food and other essentials to the
underprivileged, showcasing charity and gratitude.

Much like Diwali, Dev Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil. However, the involvement
of divine victory makes it unique. The celebration signifies the gratitude of the gods towards
Lord Shiva, as well as his divine superiority. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness,
wisdom over ignorance, and spirituality over materialism.

The celebration also harbors cultural heritage, diversity, and a sense of unity, as people from all
over the country and the world come to Varanasi to take part in this holy occasion.

Beyond Varanasi

While Dev Diwali is mainly rooted in Varanasi, it is also celebrated in other parts of India,
especially the parts with Shiva temples. In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated by lighting
lamps and performing Rudra Abhishek. In Gujarat, people celebrate with devotional songs and
prayers, while in the Himalayan regions, locals honor Lord Shiva with unique rituals.

Spiritual Lessons from Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali is also a very spiritually charged festival. The victory of Lord Shiva over the demon
reminds us that good always prevails over evil, no matter how strong it is.
The festival also places importance on inner illumination. Just as diyas eliminate physical
darkness, one must also eliminate the darkness, ignorance, and negativity within oneself. The
rituals performed during Dev Diwali encourage self-purification, humility, and dedication to the
divine.

Conclusion

Dev Diwali, celebrated on Kartik Purnima, is more than just a festival of lights; it is a celebration
of divine and spiritual power. It brings people closer to the divine, fostering unity, devotion, and
a sense of gratitude. It is also an absolute visual and cultural treat, the Dev Diwali boat ride is a
wonderful thing you need to experience. The beautiful water of Ganga reflecting the thousands
of diyas, the enchanting Ganga Aarti, and the colourful hues of fireworks is an image you will
never forget. Regardless of your religious or spiritual inclinations, it should be a bucket list item
for everyone.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
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