What is Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali?

The auspicious festival of Dev Deepavali or Dev Diwali is also called as “Diwali of the Gods”. This yearly festival is observed in Varanasi, a holy city in India. Dev Diwali is observed on Karthik Purnima or Full Moon Day. This celebration takes place 15 days after Diwali (which is observed on Amavasya, or No Moon Day).

The Significance of Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. on Dev Diwali. That’s why this festival is also known as Tripurotsav or Tripurari Purnima. Demon Tarakasura had three sons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmāli and Kamalaksha. They together called as Tripurasura. They (Tripurasura) performed rigorous penance for thousand years to pleased Lord Brahma. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Brahma granted boons that they would not die until they were all shot to death by a single arrow. After getting boon, they started to destroy the earth. The Gods went to Lord Shiva and began to pray to him. When Lord Shiva appeared, they told him that the asuras had now become evil and should be destroyed. Lord Shiva agreed to destroy Tripurasura. He invoked his most destructive weapon the Pashupatastra and killed all three demons.

Why is Dev Deepawali celebrated?

Dev Diwali festival celebration is held to remember Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur. It is believed that Gods come to Earth to take a bath in the Ganges on this day.

How is Dev Deepawali celebrated?

On this day worshippers do Kartik Snana. They wake up early and take a sacred bath in the Ganges to wash away any bad karma. In the evening, Deep Daan is performed at the Ghats of river Ganga. Deep Daan involves the worship of Goddess Ganga and the burning of earthen lamps. Ganga Aarti is conducted after the ghats have been lit up with earthen lamps (diyas).