Earthen lamps add sparkle to Dev Deepawali celebration in the city of temples.
On the full moon day of the Kartik month, which falls 15 days after Diwali, the 80-odd ghats of Benaras are illuminated with earthen lamps or diya, conveying a semblance of celestial celebration. It is believed that on this day Gods descend on the earth; millions of lamps are lit to accord them a grand welcome. It is also believed that it was on this day that demon Tripurasura was killed by Lord Shiva. Hence, Dev Deepawali is also known as Tripurotsav and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Not just the ghats, but even the temples of Varanasi are decked up with lamps to make it a grand spectacle.
Dev Deepawali is not a celebration in isolation. In fact, it’s the grand culmination of the four-day Ganga Mahotsava that starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Although the events are supported by UP Tourism, it’s the people’s participation that makes it truly spectacular.
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Harmony - Celebrate Age.
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This story is from the October 2016 edition of Harmony - Celebrate Age.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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