The festival of Dev Deepawali, also known as the “Festival of Lights of the Gods,” is one of the most divine and visually stunning celebrations in India. It transforms the ghats of Varanasi into a celestial spectacle, where millions of oil lamps (diyas) illuminate the banks of the holy Ganga, creating an ethereal glow that feels as if heaven itself has descended to Earth.

While Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura — a triumph of divine light over darkness and ignorance.

When Is Dev Deepawali in 2025 — November 4 or 5?

Every year, devotees eagerly await confirmation of the Dev Deepawali date, as it depends on the Hindu lunar calendar.

In 2025, Dev Deepawali will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, falling on the Kartik Purnima (Full Moon Day), fifteen days after Diwali.

Dev Deepawali 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat

• Festival Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
• Pradosh Kaal (Dev Deepawali Muhurat): 5:15 PM to 7:50 PM
• Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Full Moon (Purnima) Tithi Begins: November 4, 2025, at 10:36 PM
• Full Moon (Purnima) Tithi Ends: November 5, 2025, at 6:48 PM

The Pradosh Kaal, or twilight period after sunset, is considered the most auspicious time for lighting diyas and performing Ganga Aarti, as it symbolizes the merging of the physical and spiritual worlds.

Dev Deepawali 2025: Puja Rituals and Traditions

1. Kartik Snan (Holy Dip in Ganga)

The day begins with the sacred Kartik Snan — an early morning ritual bath in the Ganga River. It is believed to purify the body and soul, washing away sins and preparing devotees for the evening worship.

2. Decorating Homes and Temples

Homes, temples, and the entire ghats of Varanasi, especially Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat, are decorated with:

• Clay diyas filled with ghee or oil
• Marigold flowers and banana leaves
• Fragrant incense sticks and rangolis

The sight of millions of flickering lamps reflecting in the Ganga creates a mesmerizing scene that draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

3. Deep Daan (Offering of Lamps)

The act of Deep Daan — offering a lamp — is the core ritual of Dev Deepawali. Devotees light lamps in honor of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Maa Ganga. It is believed that offering these lights removes negativity and brings prosperity, purity, and divine blessings.

4. Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

The famous Ganga Aarti on this day becomes a grand spectacle. Priests dressed in traditional attire perform synchronized rituals using:

• Large brass lamps
• Conch shells
• Chants of Vedic hymns

The rhythmic movement of lamps, accompanied by bells and chants, creates an atmosphere charged with devotion and spiritual energy.

5. Pitru Tarpan (Ancestral Offerings)

Many devotees perform Pitru Tarpan, offering prayers to their ancestors to seek peace for their souls and blessings for the family’s well-being. It is said that performing this ritual during Dev Deepawali ensures moksha (liberation) for one’s forefathers.

Dev Deepawali 2025: Powerful Mantras to Chant

Chanting mantras during the puja enhances the spiritual vibration of the ritual and deepens the devotee’s connection with the divine. Some of the commonly recited mantras include:

• “Om Namah Shivaya” – To invoke the blessings and protection of Lord Shiva.
• “Om Gange Namah” – To honor Goddess Ganga and purify one’s inner self.
• “Om Hrim Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev” – To attain balance, strength, and divine grace.

🔆 Tip: Chanting these mantras while lighting diyas helps cultivate inner peace, clarity, and spiritual awakening.

Dev Deepawali: Mythological Significance

According to Hindu mythology, Dev Deepawali marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. The demon had captured the three worlds, causing chaos and darkness. Upon Shiva’s triumph, the Devas (Gods) descended from heaven to the Ganga River in Kashi (Varanasi) to celebrate and offer lamps in His honor.

Thus, the night came to be known as Dev Deepawali — the “Festival of Lights of the Gods.”

Spiritual Meaning of Dev Deepawali

Dev Deepawali is not just about lighting lamps; it symbolizes illumination of the soul and the victory of inner light over darkness. The festival teaches us:

• To let go of ignorance and ego.
• To embrace purity, gratitude, and compassion.
• To recognize divinity within and around us.

Lighting a diya on this sacred night is believed to grant divine merit equivalent to performing a thousand yajnas (sacrificial rituals).

For devotees, it is a night of enlightenment, surrender, and devotion — a moment where the human spirit unites with the divine essence.

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Every year, Varanasi becomes the spiritual center of India during Dev Deepawali. Thousands of devotees, tourists, and photographers gather to witness the spectacular illumination of all 84 ghats.

Boat rides on the Ganga during this night offer breathtaking views of:

• Millions of glowing diyas stretching along the riverbanks
• Chanting priests and devotees performing rituals
• Fireworks lighting up the night sky

This celestial event represents the meeting of heaven and earth — a vision of cosmic beauty that remains etched in every visitor’s heart.

Key Highlights of Dev Deepawali 2025

Event	Details
Festival Name	Dev Deepawali / Dev Diwali
Date	Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Tithi	Kartik Purnima
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat	5:15 PM to 7:50 PM
Main Deity Worshipped	Lord Shiva
Primary Locations of Celebration	Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gaya, Haridwar
Key Rituals	Kartik Snan, Deep Daan, Ganga Aarti, Pitru Tarpan
Spiritual Significance	Triumph of divine light over darkness and attainment of moksha