- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The vibrant Dev Deepawali festival in Kashi will take place today, illuminating all 84 ghats with 1.7 million diyas (earthen lamps). This year, the diyas will symbolize women empowerment and pay tribute to the late industrialist Ratan Tata.
In addition to the lighting of the diyas, there will be laser shows and fireworks at Ganga Dwar and Chet Singh Ghat, along with the renowned Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Varanasi is anticipating a surge in tourists, with lakhs expected to visit for the festival. Dev Deepawali is celebrated annually on the 15th lunar day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. This day commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur, and this year, it falls on November 15.
The festival is expected to attract 20% more tourists than last year, leading to a significant increase in demand for hotels and boat services. According to Priyank Dev Singh, Secretary of the Varanasi Hotel Association, bookings for accommodations began as early as June, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the event. Many tourists are also visiting Ayodhya as part of their trip.
Boatman Makalu Sahni noted that he prepares each year for Dev Deepawali, ensuring that passenger facilities are in place. He remarked on the heightened excitement this year, with most boats already reserved in advance.
