The holy city of Varanasi is set to celebrate the grand festival of Dev Deepawali today.

Dev Deepawali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. Lakhs of diyas will illuminate the riverfront. Dev Deepawali, means ‘the Diwali of the Gods’. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, on Full Moon night, fifteen days after Diwali. According to the belief of devotees, it marks the day when the gods descend to Earth to bathe in the sacred river Ganga.

On this night, Varanasi truly becomes Kashi- the City of Light, as numerous diyas send a glowing message of welcome to the gods, while fascinating every soul who witnesses this union of faith and beauty. Rows of earthen lamps will line the ghats, temples, rooftops, and even float upon the river Ganga, turning it into a shimmering galaxy of light.