Dev-Diwali Spectacle: Kashi Glows with 21 Lakh Lamps, Draws 10 Lakh Tourists-Devotees to Vibrant Varanasi Sky Illuminated by 3D Laser Lights
Celebrations Mark Dev Diwali in Kashi
On Monday, Kashi witnessed the grand illumination of 21 lakh earthen lamps as part of the Dev Diwali celebrations. In the evening, various places adorned colorful rangolis, followed by the lighting of 80 ghats with lamps. Ayodhya, home to the ongoing construction of the Shri Ram Mandir, was embellished with 11,000 lamps. Subsequently, a majestic Ganga Aarti was performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The celebration continued with lighting displays, 3D laser shows, and the sky adorned with vibrant colors.
Approximately 10 lakh people from across the country have gathered to witness this spectacle. Moreover, representatives from over 70 countries, including ambassadors and foreign delegates, are present at the event. Foreign enthusiasts join in the celebrations, chanting ‘Bam-Bam Bole Kashi,’ resonating with the lively spirit of the festivities.
70 Diplomats and Over 150 Foreign Representatives to Attend Dev Diwali in Kashi
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be accompanied by diplomats from 70 countries and over 150 foreign representatives at the Dev Diwali celebrations.
Along the 9 km stretch of the Ganga Ghat in Kashi and the 4 km stretch of Varuna Ghat, more than 21 lakh earthen lamps will be lit. The administration estimates the arrival of approximately 12 lakh tourists during the Dev Diwali festivities. Around 5 lakh devotees have already taken a dip in the Ganges.
Kashi boasts around 1300 hotels, with over 500 paying guests, guesthouses, lodges, dormitories, and VIP guesthouses. Among them, there are 16 five-star hotels, 45 four-star hotels, and a variety of three-star hotels, lodges, dormitories, and VIP guesthouses.
During Dev Diwali, hotel and lodge rents have increased by 15-30%. Travel agencies have booked boats for about 2000 boats, 5 cruises, and a “Jalpari” (mermaid). These will serve as viewing platforms for tourists, each with different rental rates.
The iconic Baba Vishwanath Temple will be adorned with 11 tons of flowers brought in from Malaysia, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. A holographic 3D laser show and a sound show will be organized at the Ganga Ghat and Chet Singh Fort after 6 PM, depicting stories of Shiva-Shakti and providing information about the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor project.
At 6:30 PM, a grand display of fireworks will take place at the Lal Qila Diyas, showcasing Lord Shiva’s form in the sky with colored pyrotechnics. The Ganga Ghat will have a 5-minute show every 5 minutes, and Chet Singh Fort will have a 25-minute show every 25 minutes.
The First Diya of Dev Diwali Will Be Lit at 5:35 PM
The first diya of Dev Diwali will be lit at Panchganga Ghat at 5:35 PM, marking the beginning of the grand celebration throughout Kashi. The first diya will be lit at the structure established by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 17th century, consisting of towers made of stones, known as Hazara. Following this, within 15 minutes, all 21 lakh diyas across Kashi will be illuminated.
Over 100 ghats along the Ganga-Varuna, 80 ponds, and lakes will be adorned with red and yellow lights, and baths will be arranged. Around 2000 containers of edible oil have been placed at the Ganga ghats to facilitate the lighting of diyas. The process of placing diyas and wicks will commence today after 3 PM, and all 21 lakh diyas will be lit by the evening. At 5 PM, oil will be distributed to the volunteers, followed by the actual lighting of the diyas at 5:35 PM. This will mark the beginning of the grand celebration of Dev Diwali.
A world record was set earlier in Ayodhya during Deepotsav, where 22.23 lakh lamps were illuminated, creating a spectacular display of lights.
Upcoming Events during Dev Diwali in Kashi
- Grand Illumination with 11 Tons of Flowers: The grand inauguration of Baba Vishwanath will be marked by the spectacular decoration of 11 tons of flowers. These flowers, including orchids, flamingo, Lily of the Valley, hydrangea, carnation, rose, gypsy, blue dye, Krishanti, tuberose, gonfalon, madar, and lotus, have been brought from Bengaluru, Kolkata, Utti, and Thailand. The entire corridor, including the sanctum sanctorum, Shankaracharya Chowk, and the Ganga door, will be adorned with these flowers.
- Laser Show and Corridor Illumination: A 5-minute laser show near the Ganga door and a presentation about the construction of the Baba Vishwanath corridor will be organized by the temple’s CEO, Sunil Kumar Verma.
- Army Band Performance and Ganga Maha-Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: The Army Band of the Guard of Honor will perform at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, followed by the grand Ganga Maha-Aarti. The Maha-Aarti will take place on a specially prepared single platform at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it is estimated that around 3 lakh devotees will gather at this location. Thousands of visitors will also be present on boats in front of the ghat, making it a special attraction for those seeking the divine blessings during Dev Diwali.
Decoration of Dashashwamedh Ghat with Tricolor and Lord Rama Theme During Dev Diwali
During the Dev Diwali celebration, the Dashashwamedh Ghat will be adorned with a tricolor theme and a theme dedicated to Lord Rama, starting at 5:15 PM. The decoration will involve using flowers to enhance the beauty of the ghat. There will be a special arrangement of 21 Bhudevs (arches) and 51 young girls performing rituals for prosperity and success, leading to the grand Maha-Aarti of Mother Ganga.
The Ramlalla theme will be complemented by the illumination of 21,000 lamps. To ensure security, more than 200 volunteers will be stationed, equipped with walkie-talkies for communication. Fifteen CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the proceedings.
As part of the event, the “Akashdeep,” a tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil war, will be lit. Sushant Mishra, the chief of Ganga Seva Nidhi, mentioned that this ceremony involves placing a lamp on top of a bamboo stick to honor the sacrifices made by the soldiers. Additionally, a Guard of Honor will be given to them by the Army Band. The program will conclude by conferring the Bhagirath Shourya Award to the families of martyred soldiers.
Other Events during Dev Diwali Celebration
- Jain Ghat: The Jain Ghat will feature a theme dedicated to Lord Mahavir with 5100 lamps, spreading the message of ‘Ahimsa Parmo Dharma’ and ‘Live and Let Live.’
- Chet Singh Fort Ghat: A 30-minute holographic laser lights and sound show will take place at Chet Singh Fort Ghat. This visually stunning show, visible from the Ganges, will be a captivating experience.
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Dwar: A crackers show will be organized on the sand in front of the Ganga Dwar of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Assi Ghat: A grand Maha-Aarti will be performed at Assi Ghat, providing a majestic spectacle. Additionally, lights and lamps will illuminate the ghat, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Namo Ghat: Namo Ghat will also be adorned with lamps, and diyas along with the illumination of floating candles in the Ganges, adding to the splendor of the celebration.
