In Uttar Pradesh, the holy city of Varanasi is celebrating Dev Deepawali also known as the Festival of Lights for the Gods, with grand festivities on the occasion of Kartik Purnima today. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit the first lamp at Namo Ghat, marking the beginning of the celebrations.

 

 

Around 25 lakh lamps are being lit along the 84 ghats of the Ganga River. The Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh has arranged 15 lakh lamps, while the remaining 10 lakh were prepared by local committees and residents of Kashi. Last year, 20 lakh lamps illuminated the riverfront.

 

 

This year’s celebration at Dashashwamedh Ghat is based on the theme of Operation Sindoor. People from more than 40 countries are participating in the celebrations in the city. 

 

 

Dev Deepawali is rooted in the legend of Tripurasura’s destruction, when Lord Shiva defeated the demon and was hailed as Tripurari. The gods are believed to have descended to earth to celebrate the victory with lights.