Varanasi Ghats Glow with 1.5 Million Diyas for Dev Deepawali Under Sup-moon
The Live Info Media
Kashi Shines: Dev Deepawali 2025 Illumination
Varanasi, often called Kashi, celebrated its grandest festival of lights, Dev Deepawali, on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025. This annual event is a spectacular display marking the gods’ descent to earth during Kartik Purnima, drawing devotees from across the globe. The city’s 88 ghats along the sacred River Ganga were transformed into a continuous line of brilliant light, reflecting a profound sense of devotion.
A River of Lights: 1.5 Million Lamps
The heart of the celebration was the monumental lighting of over 1.5 million earthen lamps ($15 \text{ lakh}$) along the riverbanks. From Namoghat all the way to Assi Ghat, every inch of the riverfront glowed. This incredible feat required massive coordination and participation, truly making the city’s most prominent festival of lights come alive.
Community and Collaboration on the Ghats
This enormous illumination wasn’t just a government-led project; it was a vast community effort. Volunteers, women’s groups, local artisans, and residents all joined hands to light the countless diyas across all 88 ghats. This shared labor created a visible and continuous stretch of light, which beautifully symbolized the community’s shared devotion and unity in preserving their ancient traditions.
Dignitaries and Dedication
The celebration was graced by the presence of key state leaders. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh were in attendance. CM Adityanath lit the very first lamp at Namo Ghat and took part in the grand aarti. Both leaders offered prayers, lit lamps at the riverfront, and extended their best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh on this auspicious occasion.
Kashi: A Global Center of Faith
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized the growing international significance of the city. He stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of CM Adityanath, Kashi has become a global center of faith, culture, and innovation. He highlighted that Dev Deepawali is much more than just a festival; it is a profound reflection of the community’s unity and commitment to preserving tradition.
Ganga Aarti and the Celestial Spectacle
The atmosphere was made even more celestial by the presence of the year’s largest supermoon, which enhanced the natural beauty of the illuminated scene. To honor the river, synchronised Ganga Aarti ceremonies were held at eight major ghats, including the famous Dashashwamedh, Panchganga, and Tulsi Ghats. Additionally, the spirit of the festival extended beyond the ghats, with 97 landmarks across the city also being illuminated.
Leadership Acknowledgment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself acknowledged the event’s cultural importance by sharing aerial images of the stunning illuminated scene. Chief Minister Adityanath also credited recent state infrastructure upgrades for making the event more accessible and seamless for the millions of devotees who converged on Varanasi’s ghats for the celebration. The successful execution of Dev Deepawali 2025 stands as a testament to the city’s ability to host monumental cultural events.
