Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month, is one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. In Varanasi, it is celebrated as Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the gods, when the ghats along the Ganga are lit with lakhs of earthen lamps.
This article is based on religious beliefs and traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
The legend
According to belief, Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura on Kartik Purnima. For this reason, the day is also called Tripurari Purnima. The gods are believed to descend to Kashi to celebrate the victory, and people light lamps to welcome them.
How Varanasi celebrates
- In the evening, diyas are lit on the steps of the ghats from Raj Ghat to Assi Ghat.
- A grand Ganga Aarti is held at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Boats on the river offer views of the lit ghats.
- Cultural programmes and fireworks are held at some ghats.
The Uttar Pradesh government and the Varanasi administration organise the event, and it draws large numbers of tourists from India and abroad.
Holy dip and charity
On Kartik Purnima, devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga and other rivers early in the morning. Giving donations (daan) of food, clothes and lamps is considered meritorious. Many people complete the month long Kartik vrat on this day.
Also Read: Kartik Month Significance: Deepdaan, Holy Dips and the Festivals That Fall in This Sacred Month | Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time
Other celebrations on the day
- Guru Nanak Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima.
- The Pushkar fair in Rajasthan reaches its peak around Kartik Purnima.
- In Odisha, Boita Bandana is observed by floating small boats to remember ancient sea voyages.
- Jains observe the day with a pilgrimage to Palitana.
Visitor tips for Varanasi
- Book hotels and boats well in advance, since demand is very high.
- Reach the ghats early to find a good spot.
- Follow police and administration advisories on crowd control and boat safety.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep your belongings safe.
Date
Kartik Purnima’s date varies each year. Check your local panchang and official tourism announcements for the date and timings.
Bottom line
Dev Deepawali turns Varanasi into a river of lights. It combines devotion, the legend of Tripurasura and one of India’s most stunning festive sights.
Source / स्रोत: Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Incredible India
