India is a land of festivals, and among them, Diwali is arguably the most well-known, celebrated widely across the country. However, there’s another significant festival that takes place just 15 days after Diwali in the holy city of Varanasi – Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali. While the name may sound similar to Diwali, the two festivals are quite distinct in their mythological significance, timing, rituals, and regional importance. Let’s explore Dev Diwali in depth and then dive into the differences that separate it from the larger Diwali celebration.
Understanding Dev Diwali
1. The Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi:
Dev Diwali is a festival that is celebrated primarily in Varanasi, also known as Kashi, which holds immense significance in Hindu culture. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is regarded as the spiritual capital of India. The ghats of the Ganges River are believed to be the pathway between the physical world and the divine. For this reason, festivals like Dev Diwali, which have a deep connection to the gods and spirituality, find their fullest expression here.
2. Date and Occurrence:
Unlike Diwali, which is celebrated on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartika, Dev Diwali occurs 15 days later on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night in the same month. This period is regarded as a highly auspicious time in the Hindu calendar, marking the end of a month-long period of penance and religious observances.
3. Roots:
The Festival surrounding Dev Diwali stems from the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. According to legend, Tripurasura had conquered the three worlds—heaven, earth, and the underworld—and threatened the gods with his immense power. He became so arrogant that only Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, could defeat him. Upon vanquishing the demon with his powerful weapon, the gods celebrated this victory by lighting up the heavens with lamps. This is why Dev Diwali is often referred to as the “Diwali of the Gods.” It is believed that on this day, the gods descend from the heavens to bathe in the sacred Ganges River, adding a cosmic dimension to the festival.
4. Rituals and Practices:
The day of Dev Diwali begins with devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, a practice known as Ganga Snan. Bathing in the river during this auspicious time is believed to wash away sins and purify the soul. Following this, people perform Pitru Tarpan, which involves offering prayers and performing rituals for the souls of ancestors, asking for their blessings and honoring their memory.
In the evening, the ghats of the Ganges are transformed into a celestial spectacle. Thousands of oil lamps, or diyas, are lit and placed on the steps of the ghats, while many more are floated on the river. This tradition, called Deep Daan, is done to please the gods and bring spiritual light into one’s life. The sight of the flickering lamps on the water, with the full moon shining overhead, creates a serene, almost otherworldly experience. The central ghat for the celebrations is Dashashwamedh Ghat, but the illumination extends along the entire riverbank in Varanasi, creating a visual spectacle that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Ganga Aarti is another highlight of Dev Diwali. This grand ritual is performed by priests dressed in saffron robes, who offer prayers to the river while holding large brass lamps. The sound of bells, chants of Vedic mantras, and the scent of incense fill the air, transforming the atmosphere into one of intense devotion and reverence.
5. Cultural Events:
It is not just a religious festival; it also has a strong cultural component. During the evening, several ghats host cultural performances including classical Indian music and dance, celebrating Varanasi’s rich artistic heritage. This combination of religious fervor and cultural expression makes Dev Diwali one of the most unique and beautiful festivals in India.
Differences Between Diwali and Dev Diwali
Despite their similar-sounding names, Diwali and Dev Diwali are quite different in various aspects, from the mythology behind them to the ways in which they are celebrated. Let’s break down the key distinctions:
1. Timing
- Diwali: Celebrated on Amavasya (new moon) in the month of Kartika, usually in late October or early November.
- Dev Diwali: Celebrated 15 days later on Kartik Purnima (full moon), after the completion of Kartik month.
2. Significance
- Diwali: Diwali is widely celebrated across India as the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, following his victory over Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness.
- Dev Diwali: In contrast, Dev Diwali celebrates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. It marks the day when the gods themselves celebrate this triumph by lighting lamps.
3. Religious Focus
- Diwali: The focus of Diwali is varied depending on regional beliefs. It can be the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, the celebration of Rama’s return, or the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura in some parts of India.
- Dev Diwali: Dev Diwali is more focused on Lord Shiva, the Ganges River, and the gods’ descent to Earth. It has a strong connection to ancestor worship and spiritual cleansing.
4. Geographical Importance
- Diwali: It is a pan-Indian festival celebrated with much fanfare across every state, and even by communities worldwide.
- Dev Diwali: While celebrated in some parts of northern India, Varanasi is the epicenter of Dev Diwali. The ghats of the Ganges become the focal point of the festival, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists.
5. Rituals and Practices
- Diwali: The rituals of Diwali vary by region but typically include the lighting of diyas at homes, bursting of firecrackers, exchanging sweets, and performing Lakshmi Puja for prosperity.
- Dev Diwali: The Festival focuses on rituals like the Ganga Snan, offering diyas to the river (Deep Daan), and the Ganga Aarti. It’s more community-oriented, with people gathering on the ghats for prayers and lighting lamps, rather than domestic celebrations.
6. Atmosphere and Scale
- Diwali: Diwali is more domestic, with celebrations revolving around the family. People decorate their homes, light up their courtyards, and perform puja indoors. Firecrackers are a major part of the celebrations, symbolizing joy and festivity.
- Dev Diwali: The atmosphere is more public and spiritual. The celebration is centered on the ghats of the Ganges, where large-scale rituals and cultural events take place. There is less emphasis on fireworks and more focus on community worship and the lighting of diyas.
7. Connection to the Ganges
- Diwali: While Diwali is celebrated all over India, it has no specific connection to the Ganges River.
- Dev Diwali: The Ganges is central to Dev Diwali. People believe that the river is especially sacred on this day, and taking a dip in its waters is believed to absolve sins. The lighting of lamps on the river and the aarti performed on its banks make it a highly spiritual event.