In Hinduism, Kartik Purnima holds immense significance and is celebrated as Dev Diwali or Tripurari Purnima. This auspicious festival is dedicated to the worship of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, while in 2025, Dev Diwali will be observed on Wednesday, November 05. On this day, the sacred city of Kashi, also known as Varanasi, witnesses an unparalleled spectacle as the Ganga ghats are adorned. With millions of lamps, creating an ethereal glow that makes it seem as if the entire divine host has descended upon Earth. This festival isn't merely a symbol of religious faith but also a grand cultural celebration that draws devotees and tourists from across the globe.
Dev Diwali is deeply rooted in a significant victory of Lord Shiva. According to ancient legends, it was on this very day that Lord Shiva vanquished the formidable demon Tripurasur. Tripurasur, with his immense power, had wreaked havoc across the three worlds and instilled fear even among the gods. Lord Mahadev's triumph over this demon liberated the deities from his tyranny, granting them solace and protection. In celebration of this victory, all the gods lit lamps, marking the occasion with immense joy. This historical event is why this Purnima is also known. As 'Tripurari Purnima,' a name derived from Lord Shiva's epithet 'Tripurari. ' This narrative symbolizes the triumph of dharma over adharma and good over evil, a victory commemorated annually through the lighting of lamps.
The Mythological Significance of Dev Diwali
**When is Dev Diwali 2025?
As per the Hindu calendar, the sacred festival of Dev Diwali will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 05, in the year 2025. A specific auspicious period, known as 'Pradosh Kaal,' has been designated for performing puja and lamp-lighting rituals on this day. The Pradosh Kaal will commence at 05:15 PM and conclude at 07:50 PM. This timeframe is considered exceptionally propitious for offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and for performing 'Deepdan' (offering lamps) on the Ganga ghats. Religious activities undertaken during this auspicious period are believed to yield special blessings and bestow happiness and prosperity upon devotees.
Varanasi's Grand Dev Diwali Celebrations
The most magnificent and enchanting spectacle of Dev Diwali unfolds in Kashi, the city of Mahadev, which is one of the seven sacred cities (Saptapuris). On this day, millions of lamps are lit along the banks of the River Ganga in Varanasi, while as dusk descends, and countless lamps illuminate the crescent-shaped ghats of the life-giving Ganga, the entire area transforms into a divine and mesmerizing panorama. The shimmering reflections of the lamps on the Ganga's waters, combined with the endless rows of lights adorning the ghats, create a breathtaking sight that attracts people from both India and abroad. This grand festival of lights offers a unique and unforgettable experience,. With every visitor attempting to capture this divine vista with their cameras. To witness this grandeur, tourists and devotees often book hotels and boats several months in advance, ensuring their participation in this memorable celebration.
Deities Worshipped on Dev Diwali
On the Purnima Tithi of Kartik month, special worship is offered not only to Lord Shiva but also to Lord Vishnu. It's believed that on this very day, Lord Shri Hari took his Matsyavatar (fish incarnation), which is the first of his ten primary avatars. So, worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is considered highly auspicious. Some devotees perform special pujas for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on Dev Diwali, while one reason for this is that during Kartik Amavasya, Lord Shri Hari is in a state of 'Yoganidra' (yogic sleep), and at that time, primarily Ganesha and Lakshmi are worshipped. Dev Diwali marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu and the celebration of his Matsyavatar, giving his worship particular significance. Thus, this festival holds equal importance for devotees of both Shiva and. Vishnu, offering them an opportunity to seek the blessings of their revered deities.
