Diwali in Varanasi

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India. The word 'Deepawali' means rows of lighted lamps. It is a festival of lights and Hindus celebrate it with joy. During this festival, people light up their houses and shops with Diyas (A small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay).

They worship the Lord Ganesha for good, welfare, and prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom. This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika which falls sometime during October or November.

It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and his victory over the Demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Deepawali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular festivals in India.

Hindus regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen relationships. In some parts of India, it marks the beginning of a new year. The Hindus worship the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi during Deepawali. people clean and decorate their houses before the festival.

In Varanasi, Dev Deepavali or the Diwali of Gods are celebrated on Kartik Purnima Day. It is celebrated just 15 days after Diwali held everywhere during Amavasya.

Firecrackers are burnt, Decorated deities taken on the roads of Varanasi by procession, Oil lamps are lit and floated on the River Ganges. Thousands of devotees from all over India come and attend the festival.