Dev Diwali 2024 Date : Dev Deepavali, also known as Dev Diwali or “Diwali of the Gods”. The festival is celebrated on the night of Kartik Purnima, which falls about 15 days after the main Diwali. Dev Diwali will be celebrated on November 15 in 2024.
The festival has great religious and cultural significance, and during this time thousands of lamps are lit along the banks of the Ganges to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and righteousness over iniquity.
Diwali and Dev Diwali: Unique significance of two festivals
Although both Diwali and Dev Diwali are very important festivals of Hinduism, there are many differences in their celebrations, themes and customs. Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon and is associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, marking his victory over Ravana. On the other hand, Dev Diwali is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima and is associated with Lord Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura.
It is celebrated as Lord Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura, Lord Shiva is known as “Tripurari”, meaning the destroyer of the three demonic cities. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is mainly worshiped during Diwali. While the worship of Lord Shiva is of special importance in Diwali, in which his divine form is recognized and honored.
Special customs and traditions of Dev Diwali
In this special festival of God Diwali, thousands of clay lamps are lit on the ghats of the Ganges. The scene of lighting lamps at various ghats on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi is very ethereal and divine. It is believed that on this day the gods come down from heaven to earth and register their presence in the light of these lamps. Special prayers and worship are offered to Lord Shiva during Ganga Aarti. On this occasion, devotees take a bath in the Ganges, which is considered a symbol of self-purification, and organize food donation, which is considered a means of earning merit.
Religious and Cultural Significance of Dev Diwali in Varanasi
Varanasi, which is considered a very holy place in Hinduism, has a unique place in the celebration of Dev Diwali. The lighting of thousands of lamps on the ghats here lends a unique serenity and divinity to the atmosphere, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Along with religious rituals, cultural performances are also seen during this festival.
Celebrations are also organized, featuring performances such as music and dance, which further enliven the spiritual side of the festival. The tradition started in 1991 at Dashashwamedh Ghat and has since become an annual event showcasing Varanasi’s rich religious and cultural heritage to the world.
Mythology and Vedic context
The mythological context of Dev Diwali is linked to the conflict between Lord Shiva and Tripurasura. According to legend, Tripurasura was the collective name of three demons – Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana, who received a boon from Lord Brahma. These demons built three impregnable cities and began harassing the gods and the people of the earth.
Lord Shiva eventually assumed the form of Tripurari and destroyed all three cities with a single arrow and established peace and balance in the universe. This victory is celebrated as Dev Diwali. Although the festival is not explicitly mentioned in the ancient texts, its basic tenets are consistent with the basic tenets of Vedic religion such as the victory of religion, the victory of light over darkness, and reverence for God.