Dev Dipawali is a yearly festival celebrated in Varanasi. It is one of the prominent festivals in Varanasi and attracts the most number of Tourists when compared to any other festival. Not only common tourists join this festival but also many actors and performers join this platform to celebrate Dev Dipawali.

It is celebrated on the Ghats of Varanasi and receives a huge amount of devotees and tourists. The whole Ganga Ghats shines like a Galaxy. The decoration done on Ghats is So beautiful that rules the internet for many days. Many Ministers visit Varanasi to witness this festival.

Why is it celebrated?

The day when the Devas (Gods) ascended on the Earth and celebrated Diwali or the festival of lights is known as Dev Deepawali. It is celebrated on the 11th day of the Kathik Shukla Paksha which is Karthik Purnima (full moon night).

The celebrations generally start from Ekadashi and lasts upto the day of Karthik Purnima. The Ghats and houses are decorated with Diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome the Devas.

Dev Dipawali or Tripura purinma snan

Dev Deepawali is also celebrated as Tripura Purnima Snan to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The devotees from all around the world come to take a dip in the holy Ganges and purify themselves.

When was Dev Dipawali first celebrated?

Though the festival is celebrated all over the country but it is celebrated specially in Varanasi. The celebration of this festival was first started at the Panchganga Ghat, Varanasi in 1985.

Legend

Legend has it that Lord Shiva defeated the Tripurasura (3 devils/asuras) and that is why Dev Deepawali is also known as Tripurotsava. According to a legend, the Asura Tarakasura had 3 sons- Tarakakasha, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha.

After a long period of praying Lord Brahma became happy and blessed them with immortality and said that they can only be killed by a single shot of arrow. Soon the devils caused chaos all around and Lord Mahadev in order to stop it killed all of them and was named as Tripurari or Tripurantaka.