Celebrating Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali: Messages of Hope and Light

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various leaders have shared heartfelt greetings for Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali, emphasizing the significance of sacred traditions. This festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm, marks the day when the Gods are believed to descend to Earth. The ghats of the Ganga are illuminated with diyas, and devotees engage in rituals to honor the divine. Discover the rich cultural and spiritual essence of this auspicious occasion and how it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 11:51 IST

Festive Greetings from Leaders

New Delhi, Nov 5: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared heartfelt wishes for Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali, expressing hopes that the sacred customs of holy bathing, charity, aarti, and worship would bring joy and brightness into everyone’s lives.

Using the social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi stated, “I send my warmest regards to all my fellow citizens on Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali. May this auspicious occasion, deeply rooted in our culture and spirituality, bestow happiness, peace, health, and prosperity upon all. Let our cherished traditions of holy bathing, charity, aarti, and worship light up everyone’s lives.”

Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, also conveyed his wishes on ‘X’, saying, “Warm greetings and best wishes to the people of our state and the nation on this auspicious Kartik Purnima. May this sacred day bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all.”

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi joined in the celebrations, stating, “On this blessed Dev Deepawali, I extend my warm greetings to everyone. May the divine light of this sacred day eliminate darkness and fill every life with peace, prosperity, and spiritual joy.”

Significance of Dev Deepawali

Dev Deepawali is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion throughout India. It occurs on Kartik Purnima, the day when it is believed that the Gods descend to Earth to partake in the Diwali festivities. The festival is most magnificently celebrated in Varanasi, the city dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Uttar Pradesh.

On this day, the ghats along the Ganga River in Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other sacred sites are adorned with thousands of diyas (earthen lamps). Devotees immerse themselves in the Ganga, offer prayers, perform aarti, and engage in various rituals to honor the river and the deities.

The term Dev Deepawali translates to “the Diwali of the Gods” and is dedicated to all deities, especially the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). This festival carries profound religious and spiritual importance for Hindus, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

In Varanasi, the ghats, particularly Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Rajendra Prasad, transform into ethereal landscapes. From Ravidas Ghat to Raj Ghat, millions of lamps illuminate the riverbanks. As priests recite Vedic hymns and devotees release lamps onto the sacred waters, the Ganga radiates with divine light. Many believe that the river becomes even more sacred on this night, capable of purifying lifetimes of karma.