A Celebration of Faith, Light and Gods Dev Deepawali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods, is known as a special festival of Deepawali celebrated in India. This festival is mainly celebrated with great pomp in North India, especially in Varanasi and other cities situated on the banks of Ganga. The specialty of Dev Deepawali is that it is celebrated on Kartik Purnima (Purnima Tithi), 15 days after Deepawali, and this festival is especially associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, Shri Ganesha and other Gods and Goddesses. On this day, lamps are lit on the banks of the river Ganges with reverence and faith, and during this time there is a wonderful view of various religious rituals, worship and supernatural lights on the banks of the Ganges. The tradition of celebrating this particular day is very old and it is established as an important religious tradition of Indian culture. Historical and Religious Significance of Dev Deepawali
The historical and religious significance of Dev Deepawali is very deep. It is linked to the belief that Lord Shiva lit the lamp by the gods residing on Mount Kailash. According to religious texts, Dev Deepawali is associated with the time when Lord Shiva led the world towards goodness and righteousness by killing Tripurasura. Along with this, it is also believed that on the full moon of Kartik month, the deities come to earth from their heavenly places and on this day they illuminate the atmosphere with lamps, so that humanity can get salvation, peace and prosperity. Apart from this, there is also another legend that when Lord Shri Ram killed Ravana by fighting the demons and returned to Ayodhya, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting a lamp. The tradition of lighting lamps on Dev Deepawali is associated with the homecoming of Lord Rama and his companions. Although, Dev Deepawali is usually celebrated after Deepawali, it aims to symbolize the welcome of Gods on earth.
Dev Deepawali Puja Vidhi
The Puja Vidhi of Dev Deepawali is slightly different from the Puja Vidhi of normal Deepawali. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping and lighting lamps especially on the banks of river Ganges, which is considered very important from religious point of view.
Ganga bath: Ganga bath has special significance on this day, because the river Ganges is considered a holy river in India. People take a bath in the river Ganges on this day and believe that the holy water of the Ganges absolves their sins.
Lighting lamps on the banks of the Ganges: One of the features of Dev Deepawali is that thousands of lamps are lit on the banks of the Ganges. Here, every house and ghat is decorated with lamps. People flow lamps in the Ganges, so that the deities bless and there is happiness, peace and prosperity in the world.
Worship of Lord Shiva and Ganesha: Lord Shiva, Shri Ganesha and other Gods and Goddesses are especially worshipped on this day. People go to temples and light lamps in front of these deities and pray to get their blessings.
Aarti and Bhajan: On this day, special aarti is organized on the banks of Ganga, in which Lord Shiva, Ganesha and other gods and goddesses are praised. Bhajans and kirtans are also very popular, which infuse divinity and reverence in the atmosphere.
Lighting lamps in the house: There is a tradition of lighting lamps in homes and pujas are organized. Especially the temples or places of worship of the house are decorated, so that there is happiness and peace in the house.
Significance and Cultural Dimensions of Dev Deepawali
Diwali is a festival that is not only associated with religious views but also with the deep roots of Indian culture. Seeing the light of lamps on this day not only promotes faith, but it also provides peace and contentment to the soul. From the cultural point of view, Dev Deepawali symbolizes unity, brotherhood and prosperity in Indian society. When people get together and light lamps and worship, it is not only a religious act, but it is also a symbol of social harmony. The light of lamps transmits positive energy in the entire environment and people leave their evils and move towards goodness.
Environmental Significance:The lamps lit on Diwali convey an important message to the environment. It teaches us that through light and faith we can make the world beautiful and peaceful. Especially the tradition of lighting lamps on the banks of river Ganga gives a deep message that we should respect and conserve nature and rivers. conclusion Dev Deepawali is a special occasion which not only makes us feel the place of faith and righteousness, but it also reminds us of our social and cultural values. This festival teaches us that light comes after darkness in life and only by following the path of goodness can we attain true peace and prosperity. When we light a lamp in the Ganges on the day of Dev Deepawali and wish to eradicate our sins, it expects us to remove the darkness around us by lighting the lamp of truth, love and hard work in our lives as well. Celebrate this Deepawali and Dev Deepawali with reverence and gaiety and spread the light of peace, prosperity and faith in everyone’s life.