This year, Dev Deepawali will be celebrated in Varanasi on November 5. Known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” the festival lights up the entire city of Kashi with a divine glow. This year’s celebration is dedicated to Operation Sindoor. Special tribute will also be paid to the 26 people martyred in the Pahalgam attack.
Over Two Lakh Devotees Expected
Around 2 lakh devotees from across India and abroad will reach Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti. People will watch the divine spectacle from the ghats and from boats in the Ganga. Keeping the massive crowd in mind, the administration has made special arrangements for security and other facilities.
21 Priests and 42 Dev-Kanyas to Perform Maha-Aarti
On Dev Deepawali, the Ganga Aarti is performed in its grandest form. While normally seven priests perform the aarti, this day sees 21 priests and 42 dev-kanyas (young girls symbolising divine presence) participating. The dev-kanyas wave ceremonial fans (Chanvar) and take part in the rituals, creating a mesmerising and historic sight.
First-Ever Live Broadcast on YouTube
For the first time, Ganga Seva Nidhi will broadcast the maha-aarti live on its YouTube channel, allowing people around the world to witness the ceremony from home. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend the event virtually.
How Did the Ganga Aarti Begin?
According to Sushant Mishra, President of Ganga Seva Nidhi, the Ganga Aarti was not performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat earlier. It began in 1989, initiated by his father and a few others. Initially, only one priest performed the aarti, which gradually increased to three, five, and now seven on regular days. Today, this tradition has become an integral identity of Kashi.
Preparations Begin 1.5 Months in Advance
Preparations for the Dev Deepawali Aarti start about a month and a half earlier. The ghats are decorated with flowers and various cultural programs are organised. A 35-member team of Ganga Seva Nidhi practices daily for 2–2.5 hours. The aarti itself lasts about an hour each day.
Tribute to Martyrs
Like every year, soldiers martyred in service will be honored. Mishra shared that after the Kargil victory in 1999, the tradition of lighting sky lamps for martyrs began. This year too, tributes will be paid to martyrs Arvind Kumar Yadav, Sunil Kumar Pandey, Ritesh Kumar Singh, Indrabhushan Singh, and NDRF soldier Ram Bahadur Singh. The Pahalgam martyrs will also be remembered.
Tight Security Arrangements
To ensure devotees face no inconvenience, strict security has been arranged:
- 24 CCTV cameras installed at the ghats
- 150 volunteers and 100 additional helpers deployed
- Emergency medical team and ambulances on standby
- Water ambulance by NDRF stationed on the river
25 Lakh Diyas, Laser Show, and Fireworks
The tourism department and Dev Deepawali committee have arranged approximately 25 lakh earthen lamps to illuminate the city. The area has been divided into 20 sectors, each under designated officers.
In the evening, a 25-minute 3D laser show and projection mapping will narrate the story of Kashi, the glory of the Ganga, and the traditions of Baba Vishwanath. There will also be a special 8-minute laser show and eco-friendly fireworks at 8 PM.
Invitation Sent to the President
Ganga Seva Nidhi also extended an invitation to the President of India to attend the event. The President’s office has conveyed best wishes for the ceremony.
Dev Deepawali: A Fusion of Faith, Tradition, and Valour
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is not just a festival of lights, but a unique blend of devotion, patriotism, and cultural tradition. This year’s celebration is even more special as it honours India’s military bravery and martyrs. The sacred evening of light, devotion, Ganga, and Kashi will be unforgettable for every devotee.
