Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (the full moon night of the Kartika month), about 15 days after Diwali. It is most famously celebrated in Varanasi and holds great religious significance.
- Victory of the Gods: Dev Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, marking the day when the gods descended to earth to celebrate this victory. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
- Sacred Rivers: The festival is deeply connected to the Ganges, where devotees light diyas along the ghats of Varanasi and perform rituals to honor the gods and departed souls. It is believed that the divine beings come to earth on this day, and the act of lighting lamps in their honor purifies the environment and brings blessings.
- Significance for Ancestors: Many people also believe that on Dev Diwali, by offering prayers and lighting lamps, they can provide peace to the souls of their ancestors.