(Dev Deepavali)
The Dev Deepavali or ’the Diwali of the Gods’ is a Hindu festival celebrated 15 days after Diwali on Kartik Purnima. Originally it is celebrated in the city of Varanasi. The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River are lit with more than a million earthen lamps in honour of Ganga. Mythologically, the gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day.
Dev Deepavali Festival is now very popular in Kolkata. Several ghats along the Hooghly river like Babughat, Baje Kadamtala Ghat, Ahiritola Ghat, Nimtala Ghat, Ramkrishnapur Ghat mark the festival with decorations and festivities.
Photo story: Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
On this holy night, the ghats of the Hooghly River shimmer with thousands of glowing diyas, reflecting a golden trail on the tranquil waters. The air fills with the fragrance of incense, chants, and joy as people gather to witness the sacred lights.
The ghats are filled with enthusiastic people who gather with their families to lit diyas to celebrate this festival of light. Temples resonate with devotional chants and the ringing of bells as devotees gather to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking peace and prosperity.
In Kolkata, Dev Deepavali is not just a religious occasion but a celebration of light, faith, and togetherness — a moment when the city truly feels divine.
Professionally an IT Employee and an educator, but by passion a photographer who captures stories through words and lenses.
