UP: Varanasi glows in Dev Deepawali splendour

In Uttar Pradesh, the holy city of Varanasi celebrated Dev Deepawali also known as the Festival of Lights for the Gods, with grand festivities on the occasion of Kartik Purnima on Wednesday evening. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit the first lamp at Namo Ghat, marking the beginning of the celebrations. Around 25 lakh lamps were lit along the 84 ghats of the Ganga River. The Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh has arranged 15 lakh lamps, while the remaining 10 lakh were prepared by local committees and residents of Kashi. Last year, 20 lakh lamps illuminated the riverfront. This year’s celebration at Dashashwamedh Ghat was based on the theme of Operation Sindoor. People from more than 40 countries are participated in the celebrations in the city.

Celestial Spirit of Dev Deepawali 2025

Banaras comes alive in mystical radiance this Dev Deepawali, as the city transforms into a tapestry of divine vibes, with ghats glowing, the Ganga shimmering, and the air humming with devotion and celebration.#kashikidevdeepawali… pic.twitter.com/drLyUOiEhX

— UP Tourism (@uptourismgov) November 5, 2025

Dev Deepawali is rooted in the legend of Tripurasura’s destruction, when Lord Shiva defeated the demon and was hailed as Tripurari. The gods are believed to have descended to earth to celebrate the victory with lights.