Imagine a world shimmering with the glow of millions of flickering oil lamps, where darkness is banished and radiance reigns supreme. Welcome to Varanasi, India, where the majestic celebration of Dev Deepawali transports you to a realm where light triumphs over darkness in the most mesmerizing way possible.
I was fortunate to be part of the extraordinary celebrations of Dev Deepawali during my trip to Varanasi.
In this blog post, I will be sharing how you can experience this magical spectacle in the ethereal ambiance of the holy Ganges River and embrace the divine aura that permeates through every corner of the city.
The History And Significance Of Dev Deepawali
The history and significance of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi go back centuries, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of India. This ancient festival is a time-honored tradition that commemorates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Dev Deepawali, also known as the Dev Diwali, Diwali of the Gods, is celebrated on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, which falls fifteen days after the main Diwali festival.
The origins of Dev Deepawali can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology, where it is mentioned as a time when the gods rejoiced and illuminated the heavens with diyas (oil lamps) to mark Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon king Tripurasura. This victory signifies the triumph of righteousness over evil forces and serves as a reminder of the eternal cosmic balance.
This celebration also serves as a time for reflection and introspection, as people seek spiritual enlightenment and strive to purify their souls. It is believed that on this sacred day, the divine energy is at its peak, and prayers and offerings made during Dev Deepawali hold special significance for the devotees.
How To Experience Dev Deepawali In Varanasi
Dev Deepawali is usually celebrated in November, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly. Book your accommodation and transportation well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. the festival is attended by thousands of visitors from within India and abroad apart from Varanasi locals.
You will get to experience the grandeur of the festival with vibrant processions, as the city comes alive with lively music, dancing, and joyful celebrations that fill the streets.
These vibrant processions are an integral part of Dev Deepawali, adding an extra layer of vivacity to the already mesmerizing atmosphere. As night falls and the city shimmers with countless diyas (oil lamps) adorning the Ganges River and its ghats, the streets become a stage for exuberant revelry. The procession, led by a statue of Lord Shiva, gracefully parades through the city, making its way along the riverbanks.
And while you can always immerse yourself in the festivities by being part of the crowd one of the best ways to experience Dev Deepavali is by taking a boat ride on the river Ganges.
The Alakananda Cruise is a popular option among travelers, which offers a luxurious and comfortable way to witness the grandeur of the festival. The cruise takes you on a journey along the river, allowing you to witness the beautifully lit ghats and the cultural programs being performed.
Booking the Alaknanda Cruise
You will need to book the cruise well in advance. Dev Deepawali festival is attended by thousands of visitors from outside Varanasi (and from abroad as well) and the cruise gets booked very soon. Navigate to their official website and book the tickets online. Tickets to the cruise for experiencing Dev Deepawali are priced at 15,000 INR per person.
Once the booking is done, you will receive the invoice in your mail box.
Pre-arrival and Boarding the Alaknanda Cruise
The officials of the cruise will be in touch with you (on phone, email and WhasApp) providing instructions on when to reach the boarding station. Usually, on the day of Dev Deepawali, there is a bit of traffic jam in the city and barricades in different areas, due to which you will be instructed to reach the boarding point at least 2 hours before the actual cruise start time.
Boarding point: Sant Ravidas Ghat
Timing: 5 PM to 8 PM. You will be required to reach Sant Ravi Das Ghat by 3 PM itself.
I reached the boarding point much before 3 PM to avoid any last minute rush. The access to Sant Ravidas Ghat is via a huge and beautiful park. When I reached the Ghat via the park, locals were already decorating the Ghats with Diyas.
It was quite a long wait. But the pre-evening preparations were in full swing and that’s what was worth the wait.
As the sun sets and darkness blankets the city, the banks of the Ganges come alive.
Dev Deepawali Experience from Alaknanda cruise
The cruise has two decks. As soon as you board the beautifully decorated cruise, go to the upper deck and settle down in one of the river-side seats (the seat actually doesn’t matter though).
There was a beautifully decorated photo booth where guests were clicking photos.
While being seated, I was observing the activities across the Ghats. I could see several beautifully decorated small boats all getting decked up to provide the best experience to the guests. And there were several pre-booked boats for private parties.
The cruise started at around 5:30 PM and as it sailed through the preparation of Dev Deepawali celebrations unfolded in front of us across various ghats came alive.
The staff in the cruise started serving refreshments which included Indian snacks like small samosas, veg kababs and pakodas. There was also an unlimited serving of Tea and coffee.
The Alakananda Cruise allows you to immerse yourself fully in this enchanting festival. The tranquil waters of the Ganges gently carry you along, providing a unique and privileged vantage point to witness the grandeur of Dev Deepawali.
This time was simply amazing. The transition from late afternoon to evening along with the Ghats being slowly lit up is a sight to behold.
Dev Deepawali – The Evening Intensifies
The spectacle intensifies as night falls!
From the upper deck of the Alakananda Cruise, you have the best seat in the house to take in this dazzling spectacle, as the fireworks light up the night sky and reflect in the shimmering waters.
The cruise took us along the ghats and what a great opportunity it was. The illuminations in each of the Ghats are different from each other
The famous Ganga Arti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is performed by 21 priests on the evening of Dev Deepawali. The cruise took us closer to Dashashwamedh Ghat during the evening aarti.
And oh!! What a spectacle it was.
Just after the Aarti, there was a 20-minute Light-and sound with projection holographic show at ChetSingh Ghat, It depicted religious narratives by connecting them to Kashi-Vishwanath-Ganga.
The Breathtaking Fireworks
As the first sparks light up the night sky, a collective gasp escapes the lips of the onlookers. Each explosion brings forth a burst of color and light, illuminating the river Ganges and reflecting on its gentle waves. The fireworks seem to dance and twirl through the air, creating a symphony of light that is as enchanting as the music.
The upper deck of Alaknanda cruise is the best vantage point to experience this beautiful display of fireworks.
Indulge In Food On Board
And while all these are happening, the buffet dinner is set up for the guests. The menu was a vegetarian one comprising of the ‘Best of Kashi‘– different varieties of chaat that included the signature Tamatar chaat (Tomato Chaat), snacks, mouthwatering vegetable curries, pooris, rice items, desserts, and whatnot!
Grab a plateful of delicacies and settle down to savor it in a backdrop of beautifully lit ghats and fireworks.
My overall experience of Alaknanda cruise
The cruise experience was nothing but top-notch!! From decoration, food, hospitality, and the ease it provided to witness the beautiful festival across the entire line of ghats.
The cruise added a luxury element to a mesmerizing celebration and created memories of a lifetime.
Dev Deepawali and Alaknanda Cruise in Varanasi – Conclusion
As Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is one such experience; it is a celebration that fills the heart with joy and the soul with awe.
Step aboard the Alaknanda Cruise and experience the magnificence of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. Let this night of bliss be etched in your memory forever and . Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something truly remarkable.
