India is a land of festivals, but only a few celebrations shine as brightly as Diwali and Dev Deepawali. This sacred festival, celebrated with great devotion across the country, is a time of spiritual rejuvenation and devotion. Dev Deepwali, this year, falls on the 5th of November, a Wednesday. The air gets filled with the sweet scent of incense sticks and the sound of mantra chanting. One can witness hundreds and thousands of diya lit near the ghats and in temples, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Here’s everything from dates to celebrations of Dev Deepwali 2025 that you must know!
Dev Deepawali 2025: Muhrat and Significance
Dev Deepawali 2025 is always celebrated on the auspicious Kartik Purnima, and this year, it will be celebrated on 5th November, 2025. The auspicious muhurat for the main rituals, including the lighting of diyas and the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi ghats, is from 5:15 pm to 7:50 pm IST. This evening period is considered very sacred for prayers and offering lamps.
The significance of Dev Deepawali is in the story of Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. It is believed that on this day, all the gods come down to Earth from heaven to bathe in the Ganges and light lamps, illuminating the ghats. Hence the name “Dev Deepawali,” which literally means Deepawali of the Gods.
The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, spiritual cleansing through rituals like holy dips and prayers at the ghats of Varanasi.
Dev Deepawali Story
The story of Lord Shiva and Tripurasura: Three demon brothers received boons to live in three impregnable flying cities. These demons grew and began oppressing the gods and sages.
The gods ran to Lord Shiva for help and put an end to this. Shiva prepared a cosmic chariot that had divine components in it. This included Earth as the chariot, Sun and Moon as wheels, and Vishnu as the arrow.
At the very moment when the three cities aligned briefly, Lord Shiva released a powerful arrow that destroyed the cities and the demons together. This symbolized the victory of good over evil and earned Shiva the title of Tripurantaka, the destroyer of Tripura.
Dev Deepawali rituals
- Devotees light thousands of earthen lamps along the ghats, homes, and temples to honor the gods. Fun fact: Over a million diyas illuminate the 84 ghats of the Ganges.
- Ganga Aarti is conducted at Dashashwamedh Ghat and other prominent ghats during the shubh muhrat. The priests perform synchronized chanting and lamp waving to the river goddess Ganga.
- Pilgrims take a sacred bath in the Ganges during Kartik Purnima, believed to wash away the sins and purify the soul.
- The festival features music, dance, boat rides, and fireworks along the river.
- Devotees offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deities, participating in Vishnu Puja and Tulsi Sewa rituals.
Kartik Purnima and Kartik Snan Significance
Kartik Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month Kartik, is highly auspicious and marks the end of the holy Kartik month.
It celebrates the birth of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to legend, Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarakasura. It is said that the demon was destined to be killed by Shiva’s son. The divine sparks from Shiva were carried by the Ganges, and Kartikeya was formed. He was raised by the celestial Krittikas. Kartik Purnima, hence, got its name and marks this divine birth. It is celebrated with devotion as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and courage.
The ritual bath, Kartik Snan, taken in sacred rivers on this day, is believed to wash away sins, purify the soul, and bring salvation.
Summing Up
The festival is a celebration of the divine, a time to seek blessings and spiritual growth. With its rich history and cultural significance, Dev Deepawali is a festival that embodies the spirit of India. So get ready to dive into the magic of this sacred celebration.
