Dev Diwali is observed on the Full Moon day in the month of Kartik. It is popularly celebrated along the Ganga River banks in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and other holy places in India. In 2021, Dev Diwali date is November 19.
This festival is dedicated to River Ganga and devotees pay their tribute to Ganga Mata. It is believed that on Dev Deepavali, Gods descend on Earth.
During Dev Diwali, a cultural festival called ‘Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated in Varanasi. Prabodhini Ekadashi is the important day in these celebrations. Large number of people throngs to Dasaswamedh Ghat to witness the event.
Kartik Snan and Deepdaan are main rituals performed during Dev Diwali. At the time of sunrise devotees do Kartik Snan and in the evenings they perform Deepotsav. Deepotsav is lightening Diyas or earthen lamps. Deepotsav is an eye-catching celebration on Dev Deepavali day. ‘Ganga Aarti is the grand event to participate on this day. Large number of people performs Aarti to Ganga Mata amidst the multitude prayers and mantras.
Dev Diwali is also known as Kartik Purnima, Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima. Dev Diwali is the last day to perform Tulsi Damodar Vivah. During this day, Kapal Mochan Mela is observed with much gusto. Pushkar Mela is also celebrated in Pushkar town of Rajasthan on Dev Diwali day.