Dev Deepawali– A Tradition Wrapped In Lights & Love

Festivals around the world have always been fascinating. And the perks of being an Indian are mostly the vibrant festivals we celebrate in every corner of the country, and the richness that each of them bring. Every one of them carries a distinct meaning and tradition in its very core, and their uniqueness creates the maximum appeal to us as Indians. In our hearts we are all devotees, and every celebration that invokes a spiritual feeling within us, leaves us relieved and renewed. While we speak of spirituality, we can’t ignore the powerful existence of Varanasi, a city that is marked as the holiest of all, a popular pilgrimage destination for every Hindu. The pious presence of Maa Ganga washes away all our sins and relieves us of all negativity. 

Adored by Mirza Ghalib, Varanasi has always had a special place in every heart, especially for the outworldly feeling it invokes in one’s body and mind. While the city continues to be famous for its ghats, temples, Ganga Aartis, and impeccable culture, it is widely known for the biggest festival of lights in India. Dev Deepawali, a magnificent festival held every year in the holy city of Banaras, marks the end of all the Diwali festivities. Commemorated in the honour of Lord Shiva, it falls on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali. The myth goes that notorious demon brothers Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana, collectively known as Tripurasura, had received a boon from Brahma to have three forts of gold silver and iron, in three different worlds, they had also asked for the boon that only a single arrow can destroy their forts, or Tripura, and that would be their end. Once blessed, they started to wreak havoc on the three worlds and the gods were furious. Unable to defeat the demons themselves, they went to Lord Shiva for a solution and He agreed to destroy Tripura. Using his Pashupatastra, He burned down the three forts into ashes and came to be known as Tripurantaka, the one who ended Tripura.

The legend goes, that on this day the gods arrive at Varanasi after their successful battle. Every nook and corner of the city beams with thousands and thousands of earthen lamps, or diyas, and the divinity of the illuminated ghats and galis is truly unmatched. The day starts with Kartik Snana, where devotees take bath in the holy Ganges. Once the city is decked up beautifully, it is followed by 24 holy chants and Vedic mantras by 24 Brahmins and Ganga Aarti. It strings a chord within every individual, and compels them to pause and embrace the presence of the Supreme, the positivity all around, and surrender themselves to the Higher Power. As the burning flames of deepams lighten up the flowing river, the sound of shankh sanctifies the surroundings and fills your heart with a million emotions, and the hymns and chants of the priests fill the air– all of these take you on a journey to rediscover your inner self while you feel the immense positive energy around you. The entire experience is unforgettable and leaves an impact on every devotee’s mind who are lucky enough to witness this grand event.

This Dev Deepawali, Torani shares the rich mythology of this festival with a hope that Lord Shiva destroys all the evils around us and blesses us with a prosperous life. May we all be content with what we have and never let greed overpower our minds. Wishing everyone a happy Dev Deepawali.