Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. This grand event marks the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, 15 days (about 2 weeks) after Diwali. The festival is known for its mesmerising visual splendor as the ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of oil lamps (diyas), creating a divine atmosphere along the sacred Ganges. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, witnessing Dev Diwali in Varanasi while on a river cruise offers a unique and enchanting perspective of this spiritual celebration.
Why We Celebrate Dev Diwali
The festival of Dev Diwali in Varanasi is steeped in mythology. According to Hindu tradition, this day commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. It is believed that on this auspicious night, the gods descend from the heavens to bathe in the holy Ganges, and the city of Varanasi is illuminated to welcome them. The celebration is a spiritual spectacle, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists from around the world to see the rituals and participate in the festivities.
The Spiritual Significance of Varanasi
One of the oldest and holiest cities in the World, Varanasi, also known as Kashi, has long defined Indic culture and civilization for millennia. Nestled along the banks of the Ganges River, it has been a center for spiritual learning and religious practices for centuries. During Dev Diwali, the city is transformed into a living canvas of devotion, with every corner of the city reflecting the vibrancy of the festival.
On this day, devotees gather at the ghats to perform various rituals and offer prayers to the deities. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of millions of diyas that line the steps of the ghats and float on the river. The illuminated Ganges, reflecting the flickering lights, creates a sight that is both awe-inspiring and deeply spiritual.
Experiencing Dev Diwali on a River Cruise
One of the most enchanting ways to experience Dev Diwali in Varanasi is by embarking on a river cruise. The river cruise offers a tranquil and unobstructed view of the beautifully illuminated ghats and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual performed with lamps and chanting. As you gently cruise along the river, you will witness the city’s skyline glowing with thousands of lights and experience the spiritual energy that fills the air.
Antara’s MV Bengal Ganga cruise provides a unique and immersive experience of this truly divine festival. This river cruise allows you to witness the grandeur of Dev Diwali while enjoying world-class amenities and the serene beauty of the Ganges. The cruise departs from Varanasi and sails along the river, giving passengers the perfect vantage point to observe the lighting of the diyas, the spiritual ceremonies, and the festive atmosphere that envelops the entire city.
The Rituals of Dev Diwali
The celebrations of Dev Diwali begin with an early morning dip in the holy Ganges, known as “Ganga Snan,” which is believed to cleanse the soul of sins. Devotees then visit temples to offer prayers and participate in rituals throughout the day. As dusk approaches, the ghats come alive with the preparations for the grand event. Priests and devotees’ light lamps and place them along the steps of the ghats, in temples, and in homes.
The evening culminates in the Ganga Aarti, a grand ceremony where priests perform rituals with lamps, flowers, and incense sticks, accompanied by devotional songs and chants. The aarti is performed on several ghats, with Dashashwamedh Ghat being the most prominent. Watching the synchronized movements of the priests and the golden glow of the lamps against the dark waters of the Ganges is a sight to behold.
Conclusion
Dev Diwali in Varanasi is a spiritual journey that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. The festival’s grandeur, combined with the serene beauty of the Ganges, creates an unforgettable experience. To truly immerse yourself in this divine celebration, a river cruise offers the perfect setting to witness the illuminated ghats, the Ganga Aarti, and the festive atmosphere of Varanasi.
Experience the magic of Dev Diwali with Antara Cruises and let the MV Bengal Ganga take you on a spiritual voyage along the sacred river. Witness the city come alive with light and devotion from the comfort of a luxurious river cruise, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
