The ghats of Varanasi were transformed into a celestial panorama on Wednesday evening as lakhs of diyas (earthen lamps) illuminated the banks of the Ganga during the grand celebration of Dev Deepawali. Often called the “Diwali of the Gods”, the festival turned the ancient city into a shimmering sea of light, devotion, and divine splendour.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared breathtaking aerial photographs of the festivities on X, captioned: “Spectacular Dev Deepawali in Kashi!”
PM Modi, who represents the Varanasi constituency in the Lok Sabha, first won the seat in 2014 and is now serving his third consecutive term after being re-elected in the 2024 general elections.
The pictures showcased the ghats bathed in golden hues as thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers, while the night sky came alive with a dazzling display of fireworks.
Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, Dev Deepawali marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. On this sacred night, devotees light countless earthen lamps across all 88 ghats of Kashi, offering prayers and witnessing cultural performances that capture the city’s spiritual grandeur.
From Rajghat to Assi Ghat, every stretch along the riverbank glowed with endless rows of diyas, their reflections shimmering on the sacred Ganga. Temples and heritage buildings were beautifully illuminated, while boats carrying pilgrims and tourists drifted across the river, offering a surreal view of the glowing cityscape.
Authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the massive influx of visitors, ensuring smooth conduct of rituals and maintaining crowd safety throughout the celebration.
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi continues to draw devotees and tourists from across India and around the world – a luminous celebration of faith, heritage, and the timeless bond between the Ganga and the spiritual heart of Kashi.
(IANS)