Varanasi witnessed a celestial spectacle on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima as the holy city celebrated Dev Deepawali with unmatched spiritual fervour and cultural magnificence. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit the first lamp at Namo Ghat, marking the ceremonial beginning of the festival that transformed the ghats of the Ganga into a divine ocean of light.
This year, 25 lakh Diyas glimmered across 84 ghats—surpassing the 2024 count of 20 lakh lamps. The Tourism Department arranged 15 lakh lamps, while local committees and Kashi residents contributed 10 lakh more, reflecting the deep community participation in this ancient celebration.
Operation Sindoor Theme at Dashashwamedh Ghat
This year’s central celebration at Dashashwamedh Ghat was themed ‘Operation Sindoor’, honouring valour and sacrifice. More than one lakh devotees gathered to witness the grand Ganga Aarti, performed by 21 priests and 42 dev kanyas symbolising Riddhi and Siddhi. The priests adorned the ghat with 21 quintals of flowers and 51,000 lamps, creating a divine glow as conch shells and temple bells filled the air with sacred resonance.
They installed a replica of the Amar Jyoti, and officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force laid wreaths to honour the nation’s martyrs, reaffirming Kashi’s fusion of spirituality and patriotism.
Child Rescued by NDRF — Human Spirit Shines
Amid the congregation, a tense moment unfolded when a young girl slipped into the Ganga during the Aarti. Prompt action by the NDRF ensured her safe rescue and medical attention, preventing a potential tragedy and earning widespread praise from attendees.
Laser Show & Fireworks Dazzle Devotees
Post the Aarti, attractions continued with a breathtaking laser show at the historic Chunar Fort, depicting:
- The sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Vishnu’s Pushkarini legend
- Teachings of Lord Buddha
- Devotional journeys of Sant Kabir and Goswami Tulsidas
- The legacy of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Banaras Hindu University
The artistic narrative of Kashi’s ancient heritage captivated thousands seated along the ghats, followed by a grand fireworks display. CM Yogi enjoyed the celebration from a cruise boat on the Ganga, watching the city bathed in shimmering light.
Global Footfalls & Cultural Harmony
People from more than 40 countries attended the celebration, showcasing Kashi’s rising global cultural influence. A special group of 70 devotees from Jaipur and Kolkata, dressed in uniform attire, added to the devotional fervour.
Dev Deepawali was not limited to Varanasi alone—Prayagraj lit 5 lakh lamps and Mathura illuminated 2 lakh diyas. This followed Ayodhya’s record-setting Deepotsav on October 19, where over 29 lakh lamps shone on Ram Ki Paidi, entering the global record books.
Voices from the Ghats
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the spectacle, calling it “a mesmerising celebration that captivates the heart and soul.”
Foreign tourists expressed awe as they sat along the ghats absorbing the cultural grandeur, while devotees described the experience as “divine,” “soul-stirring,” and “unforgettable.”
Spiritual Milestones & Sacred Traditions
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand led celebrations at Kedar Ghat, accompanied by young Brahmin disciples. He highlighted that the day marks 9,12,500 days since Adi Shankaracharya’s earthly departure, making it spiritually significant for the Jagatguru tradition. Special honours were conferred upon monks and scholars dedicated to Shankaracharya’s legacy.
At Assi Ghat, organisers dedicated the evening Aarti to the Indian women’s cricket team and the armed forces, recognising their dedication and national pride. Kashi’s Timeless Legacy Lives On
As night fell, Varanasi radiated a mystical halo—millions of diyas dancing upon the waves of the Ganga, hymns echoing through ancient alleys, and the sky glittering with fireworks. Dev Deepawali once again reaffirmed Kashi’s place as the eternal beacon of faith, culture, and divine light.
The city stood not merely illuminated, but awakened—celebrating devotion, valor, heritage, and unity in its purest form.
