Diwali is one of the most beloved and grand festivals celebrated across India. But now that it has passed, today marks another spectacular celebration, Dev Diwali. Known for its grandeur and deep cultural significance, Dev Diwali transforms the city of Varanasi into a breathtaking display of lights, devotion, and joy.
But what makes it even more magical than Diwali itself?
Let’s find out.
Dev Diwali 2025
Today, November 5, 2025, is celebrated across India as Dev Diwali, especially in Varanasi. It is known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” which transforms Varanasi into a luminous spectacle. This festival is known to be more magical than Diwali because of three major reasons: unique cultural expression, profound spiritual significance, and grand scale of celebration.
What Is Dev Diwali and Why Is It Celebrated?
Dev Diwali, also known as the “Diwali of Gods,” is a sacred and unique Indian festival primarily celebrated in Varanasi. It takes place during the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, specifically on Kartik Purnima, or the full moon day. This festival occurs 15 days after Diwali and holds great significance for devotees.
The day commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the wicked demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to popular legend, Lord Shiva transformed into Tripurari and defeated the three demon brothers who were invincible due to a boon. This divine victory is one of the reasons for the grandeur of the festival.
On the night of Dev Diwali, it is believed that the gods descend from heaven to bathe in the holy waters of the river Ganges in Varanasi. This divine bath is thought to purify both the gods and the devotees, who also take ritual dips in the water to cleanse their sins and seek liberation.
Why Are Varanasi’s Dev Diwali Celebrations More Magical?
The collective lighting of diyas symbolizes the end of darkness, ego, and arrogance. This is a beautiful, spiritual, and sensory experience that is not seen in Diwali much. The ghats with millions of diyas shine like a dream under the light of the full moon, with prayers, chants, and Ganga aarti rituals filling the atmosphere with peace.
The magic of Dev Diwali is also enhanced by a blend of rituals, cultural performances, and firework displays. Apart from Ganga arti ceremonies, there are firework displays, drone light spectacles, classical performances, processions around old temples, and laser shows too.
It is a more intense expression of spirituality than traditional Diwali because it honors the gods directly and involves a larger and more concentrated celebration on Varanasi’s sacred riverbanks.
This combination of spirituality and artistic expression creates an atmosphere where everything feels magical. Pilgrims, locals, and tourists from across the world participate in this beautiful confluence of culture and faith.
How Is Dev Diwali Celebrated In Varanasi?
Dev Diwali celebrations in Varanasi begin with early morning rituals, which continue till the night. The very first ritual starts at dawn, which is known as Kartik Snan, where devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga River.
This dip is considered to be very auspicious as it cleanses sins and purifies the soul. People tend to visit various temples like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi.
The ghats along the Ganga, especially the iconic Dashashwamedh ghat, come alive with thousands of earthen lamps or diyas as the evening approaches.
This is known as Deepdaan and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Over one million diyas are lit across over 80 ghats in Varanasi, creating a beautiful spectacle of flickering lights.
What comes next is a grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats, where synchronised rituals are conducted by the priests. This involves Vedic hymn chanting, blowing of conch shells, and waving of large oil lamps.
This powerful devotional event draws huge crowds, including locals, pilgrims, and tourists, who gather to witness the spiritual energy and collective reverence.
Today’s Schedule
- The festivities begin early with prayers and the Subah-e-Banaras Aarti at Assi Ghat, accompanied by classical music and yoga sessions
- Followed by the holy Kartik Snan
- 6:45 pm to 7:30 pm: Ganga Aarti & Diya Lighting Muhurat
- 7:30 pm: Chet Singh Ghat Laser Show
- 7:45 pm onwards: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Laser Show at Lalita Ghat
- Followed by the Akashdeep Utsav, where thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky
Summing Up
Dev Diwali is way more magical than Diwali because this festival holds a lot of spiritual significance with a celebration that is larger than life and rituals that are a reflection of India’s amazing culture.
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