Welcome, fellow travellers, to my journey to Varanasi for the Dev Deepawali celebrations. Join me as we unravel the mysteries and magic of this lesser-known yet immensely captivating celebration.
Historical Value of the Dev Deepawali in the Heart of India, Varanasi
In India, everyone knows and celebrates the biggest festival, Diwali. But have you heard about Dev Deepawali? People celebrate a lesser-known festival in Varanasi, India, 15 days after Diwali. Dev Deepawali commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. It’s believed that on this day, gods descend to Earth to join in the celebration. People take baths in the Ganges, light diyas, and worship Lord Shiva to mark the occasion.
How is Dev Deepawali celebrated in Varanasi?
During this big festival, people decorate all the ghats with flowers and colourful patterns, and millions of diyas illuminate the ghats. They create large symbols and patterns using diyas, which boaters can see. Devotees come from all over India to experience this magical night. All ghats resonate with chants and rhythms. You’ll feel some different vibes and energy all around the ghats on this night.
How to Reach Varanasi on Dev Diwali:
To partake in the festivities of Dev Deepawali, mark your calendars for the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartikeya. Plan your trip well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles, especially with transportation and accommodation. Due to heavy crowds and traffic jams, walking to the ghats is often the most convenient option. Consider booking transportation early or opting for bus travel for a smoother journey.
Accommodation in Varanasi:
Opt for lodgings near the ghats, such as Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat, to immerse yourself fully in the festival’s atmosphere. Dorms and hostels are also available for budget travellers, providing a communal experience amidst the festivities, like Vagabond Stay Hostel Varanasi, goSTOPS Varanasi, HosteLaVie Varanasi, etc.
Places to visit in Varanasi During the Diwali Festival :
- Firecrackers Show: If you want to enjoy the Firecrackers Show, experience this breathtaking show filled with colourful crackers and mesmerising views of boats in the river. This is no less than magic to experience. Last year, it happened near Manikarnika Ghat.
- The Laser Show: A magnificent laser show is happening at Chet Singh Ghat. Please protect your camera gear from lasers.
- Ganga Aarti: In the evening, join the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is going to be a whole different experience for you.
Must know: For the best festival experience, visit Varanasi the day before Dev Deepawali. There are fewer crowds, making it easier for content creators to shoot their content.
Foods You Must Try in Varanasi:
The foods you should try out there are:
- Meetha Samausa is a must-try food.
- Malayio from Shri Jee is open until 11 a.m. during the winter.
- Blue Lassi.
- Lemon tea on ghats.
- Jalebi and Kachori from Dadi ki Kachori.
Best time to visit Varanasi
As I visited Dev Deepawali, it’s the month of November, and it is an ideal month to explore Banaras.
Important things to carry:
- During the Dev Diwali festival, you can wear ethnic clothes. Make sure you dress respectfully, as this is a religious and spiritual place.
- Carry some cash along with you.
Tips for travellers to Varanasi on Dev Deepawali
- On Dev Deepawali, you’ll find a huge crowd near the Ghats. Also, the streets get filled with people. Moreover, to manage the crowd, authorities block many paths. Therefore, it is suggested to visit the Ghats early.
- Also, due to security reasons, jammers are implemented on Ghats, and you’ll not find networks on Ghats or very restricted networks.
- Moreover, if you’re making content while shooting, be respectful of the people and the place.
- Also, you can’t cross the Ghats because of restrictions. Choose your Ghat early for where you want to stay.
As you plan your journey to this year’s Dev Deepawali, remember to book your accommodation and transportation in advance, respect the place, and be ready to experience this magical night and spirituality.Dreaming of captivating travel adventures? Dive into https://sowl.in/stories for unforgettable tales! Happy and safe travels to all!