Dev Deepawali: Kashi to Shine with 20 Lakh Lamps on November 5
The Enchantment of Dev Deepawali in Kashi
In the sacred city of Kashi, the festive spirit of Dev Deepawali is becoming increasingly evident. On the evening of November 5, the entire city will be illuminated with a divine glow. From the crescent-shaped Ganga ghats to ponds and kunds, rows of lamps will create a mesmerizing spectacle. This festival, celebrated on Kartik Purnima, has its roots in ancient texts, but the form it takes today originated in Kashi. The tradition began at Panchganga Ghat with two canisters of oil donated for the occasion. With the support of the Kashi king, the enthusiasm of five young men transformed it into a globally recognized celebration. Dev Deepawali, meaning 'the festival of lights for the deities,' is believed to be the day when gods descend to Earth and celebrate by lighting lamps along the Ganga ghats.
Mythological Significance
To understand the festival's significance, we must first explore its mythological roots. According to the Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana, on Kartik Purnima, Lord Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasura. This demon had received a boon from Brahma that he could only be killed during the 'Tripur Sangam' (the conjunction of the sun, moon, and fire). His tyranny had caused distress across the three realms: heaven, Earth, and the underworld.
The Victory of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva used his Pinaka bow to destroy the three cities of Tripurasura, made of gold, silver, and iron. Following this victory, the gods celebrated by lighting lamps in Kashi. The city was chosen for its status as the abode of Shiva and its spiritual significance along the banks of the Ganga. The deities bathed in the Ganga, offered lamps, and praised Lord Shiva. This tradition has continued, symbolizing the worship of Shiva on the night of Kartik Purnima when 'the deities themselves light the lamps.'
Modern Celebrations Begin
The contemporary form of Dev Deepawali began about four decades ago and has evolved significantly. Until 1983, the festival was primarily about bathing and donating on Kartik Purnima, with many flocking to the Ganga for rituals. The modern celebration commenced in 1984 when Pandit Vijay Upadhyay lit lamps at Panchganga Ghat using two canisters of oil donated for the event. This initiative has now grown to involve millions of lamps.
Community Involvement
In 1984, Pandit Vijay Upadhyay's vision gained support from the then Kashi king, Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh, and five enthusiastic youths. To gather oil and ghee, tin containers were placed at tea and snack shops. In 1986, the Central Dev Deepawali Committee was formed, establishing sub-committees at each ghat. Following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, interest in Dev Deepawali surged among the residents of Banaras. Between 1995 and 2000, the festival gained international recognition, with lamps being lit not only on the ghats but also along ponds and lakes.
Preparations for This Year
On the occasion of Dev Deepawali, Ganga pujan and aarti will take place at various ghats including Assi, Tulsi, Jain, Harishchandra, Kedar, Mansarovar, Ahilyabai, Dashashwamedh, Sindhiya, Panchganga, Bundi Parkota, Ganesh, Sheetala, Bhainsasur, and Namo Ghat. Preparations are in full swing, with the distribution of lamps and oil among the sub-committees scheduled for today.
Laser Show at Chet Singh Fort
A laser show at Chet Singh Fort along the Ganga will bring mythological tales to life during Dev Deepawali. Stories related to deities such as Shiva and Parvati, Ganga, and Lakshmi and Narayan will be the highlights of the evening on Kartik Purnima. Decorations are underway from the ghats to boats, with colorful electric lights and artificial flowers being used extensively. Barricading has been completed at Assi, Dashashwamedh, and Namo ghats for the major events.
Challenges in Venue Selection
Considering the rising water levels of the Ganga, selecting locations for creating rangoli and lamp designs themed around 'Operation Sindoor' has posed a challenge. Students from BHU and various private arts colleges were seen searching for suitable spots on Monday.
Lighting Lamps in Memory of Great Personalities
At Pushkar Talab in Assi, lamps will be lit in memory of Kashi's illustrious figures. Tributes will be paid to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Padma Bhushan awardee Girija Devi, environmentalist Prof. Veerbhadra Mishra, Padma Bhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Shehnai Samrat Bismillah Khan, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, Pandit Jagannath Tripathi, Pandit Sharda Prasad Mishra, and Pandit Tribhuvan Nath Mishra.