Dev Deepavali

Ganga Mahotsava, the tourism festival of Varanasi is celebrated every year from Prabodhani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima in the month of Oct-Nov. The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. Apart from the excellent cultural programmes and country boat race, display of martial arts also takes place. The concluding day coincides with the unique traditional festival of Dev Deepavali (light festival of Gods), when more than a million earthen lamps (Diyas) are lit on the ghats of Ganga. According to the Hindu calendar, Kartik (Oct-Nov) is the celestial month especially on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Millions of Diyas (earthen Lamps) illuminate the ghats (banks) amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.

On Dev Deepavali (full moon day) it is said that God descends from heaven to bathe in the Ganga. On this occasion amidst chanting of Vedic hymns people light diyas (earthen lamps) and burst firecrackers in welcome Uttar Pradesh Tourism organizes a festival called Ganga Mahotsav so people can experience this celestial event and feet the ritualistic pulse of the ordinary people. Varanasi, the sacred corridor (tirtha) is the embodiment of living sacred heritage.

The ghats are dotted with hundreds of umbrellas under which priests sit. Talking to one priest it is gathered that each umbrella is registered with the revenue department and each costs around Rs.30,000/- and the income per day is between Rs.100/- and Rs.500/-.

Sitting under their umbrellas priests apply Urdhapundra and Tripundra tilaks (sacred marks on the foreheads of devotees amidst chanting of mantras. Devotees also worship Ganga here.

These ceremonies are organized by local priests. Cultural phonetics and the sound of rhythm need no interpretation. Even those who knew nothing about the grammar of music tap their feet and shake their heads in appreciation.

There are scholars, pandits, flower sellers and vendors lining the lanes and bylanes of the city. Every ghat along the Ganga is lighted up on Dev Deepavali in readiness for the Divine. Committees are formed and there is keen competition. Children decorate their respective ghats with motifs like the swastika, Om and Ganesha. The sheer beauty of light and shade cannot be captured by an electronic eye.

Against the backdrop of the illuminated Ganga Ghat the rising full moon is an experience beyond narration. It was like drinking nectar. The full moon rose high above the sky casting its shadow down below on the twinkling Ganga. It is a grand finale to the Ganga Mahotsav.


In 2015 Dev Diwali held on 25th November, Wednesday. Hindu Tithi - Purnmasi On Kartik Month or full moon of Kartika Month Dev Diwali is annual celebration held on after 15 days of Diwali Festival and According to Hindu calender it is celebrated on Kartik month Puranmasi. Dev Diwali as its name signifies its meaning its a Lights Festival of the Gods. Dev Diwali is also known as Dev Dipawali.
     
   

Package
24th Nov 2015 - Arrival transfer from Railway Station / airport, transfer to hotel Later visit the famous SARNATH the place of where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, overnight at hotel.l.
25th Nov 2015 - Early morning transfer to River front, today being Karthik Purnima you will withess millions of people taking dip in Holiy River Ganges & witness the sunrise with Holy Arti taking places, later visit cty around 5 PM, transfer to Rver front to witness the festival "Dev Deepavali" the festival of Gods celebrated taking place on bank of holy river Ganga, the celebration lasrs till early morning..
26th Nov 2015 - Transfer to Airport / Railway station for your outward journey.
 
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Includes - Accommidation, Breakfast, Dinner & Snacks on Boat Airrval / Departure transfer, Sightseeing, Service of English speaking Guide and Boat charges

 
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