Dev Deepawali is an important day in Hinduism. Dev Deepawali is also known as the ‘Diwali of the Gods’ and ‘The Festival of light of the Gods’. Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Hindu calendar, the most auspicious month of Kartik. Dev Deepawali takes place fifteen days after Diwali.
On the day of Dev Deepawali, lamps are lit on the banks of river Ganges. This festival is celebrated all over India but is special in Varanasi and Haridwar. It is believed that on this day all the gods descend on the earth to take a bath in the Ganges. Dev Deepawali is also celebrated as Tripura Poornima Snan.
On the day of Dev Diwali festival, lakhs of lamps are lit in all the ghats of the Ganges located in Varanasi, which is visited by lakhs of devotees. On this day lakhs of people visit the Ghats of Varanasi to attend the Ganga Aarti. People not only come from India but also from abroad to see this scene. This day is also celebrated as Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi.
Ganga Mahotsav is a tourist centric festival in Varanasi, celebrated every year over five days, starting from Prabodhani Ekadashi during the months of October and November and lasting till Kartik Purnima. The rich cultural heritage of Varanasi can be seen on this day.
On the day of Dev Deepawali, Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasur. Tripurasura had plagued humans, sages and deities with his terror. Disturbed by the terror of Tripurasura, all the deities went to Lord Shiva. Requested Lord Shiva for the end of Tripurasur. Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura. Expressed their gratitude and all the deities had celebrated by lighting many lamps in Kashi, the beloved city of Lord Shiva. This is the reason that Dev Deepawali is celebrated every year on the full moon of Kartik month.
Dev Deepawali has special significance in Hinduism. On this day the deities come to earth and take bath in the Ganges. Therefore, on this day one should bathe in the Ganges and donate a lamp. All the deities are pleased with this and show their grace.