Dev Deepawali 2023: Dev Deepawali, celebrated in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, stands as a significant occasion akin to Diwali. Known as the Festival of Lights for the Divine, Dev Deepawali occurs precisely 15 days following the grandeur of Diwali. Its festivities hold a unique place, particularly in Varanasi, where it reverberates along the sacred banks of the Ganges. This day signifies the arrival of deities to Kashi to partake in the jubilant celebration of Diwali.
The essence of Dev Deepawali radiates through the adorned ghats of Varanasi, bedecked with countless earthen lamps, illuminating the entire vicinity. This ancient tradition of reveling in Dev Deepawali has endured for centuries, fostering an atmosphere filled with joy and spirituality.
Dev Deepawali 2023 Date and Auspicious Muhurat
As per the Panchang, Dev Deepawali will grace us on November 26 this year. The auspicious Pradosh Kaal, marking the beginning of Dev Deepawali, commences at 5:08 PM and concludes at 7:47 PM.
Significance of Dev Deepawali
The celebration of Dev Deepawali encapsulates profound spiritual significance. It represents the occasion when the gods descend upon the holy city of Varanasi, showering blessings and partaking in the festivities alongside devotees. The lighting of diyas (earthen lamps) symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, signifying the victory of good over evil. It also signifies the purification of the soul and the eradication of ignorance, paving the way for enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Rituals and Celebrations
The preparations for Dev Deepawali commence weeks in advance. The ghats of Varanasi undergo meticulous embellishment with colorful rangolis, vibrant decorations, and myriad oil lamps. Devotees from various corners gather to participate in this grand celebration.
On the day of Dev Deepawali, devotees wake up before dawn to perform ritualistic bathing in the Ganges, offering prayers to the rising sun. The evening unveils a mesmerizing spectacle as thousands of diyas and candles are lit, adorning every nook and cranny of the ghats. The flickering lights create an ethereal ambiance, reflecting on the serene waters of the Ganges.
Devotees chant hymns, offer prayers, and perform aarti (a ritual of worship) to honor the deities and seek their blessings. The entire city resonates with the sounds of devotional songs, religious chants, and the joyous cheers of devotees.
As night falls, the sky becomes a canvas for breathtaking fireworks, adding to the already enchanting vista of illuminated ghats. The celebrations continue late into the night, brimming with fervor, devotion, and a sense of spiritual unity among all who partake.
In essence, Dev Deepawali embodies a harmonious blend of spirituality, devotion, and cultural vibrancy, transcending boundaries and embracing the divine light within and around us.
