When Is Dev Deepawali 2025? Date, Muhurat, Legend, Rituals And Significance

Dev Deepawali, also known as the Festival of Lights for the Gods, is one of the most divine and visually stunning celebrations in India. It is believed that on this day, the Gods themselves descend to Earth to celebrate Diwali along the holy river Ganga.

Celebrated on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali lights up the ghats of Varanasi with thousands of diyas, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Dev Deepawali 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Dev Deepawali this year will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5. The Pradoshakal Muhurat is from 5:15 PM to 7:50 PM, which is for a duration of 2 hours and 35 minutes. The Purnima Tithi will begin at 10:36 PM on November 4 and end at 6:48 PM on November 5.

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On this auspicious day, devotees light diyas, offer prayers, and take a holy dip in the Ganga to wash away sins and invite blessings.

The Legend Behind Dev Deepawali

The origin of Dev Deepawali is linked to the tale of Tripurasura, a powerful demon who created havoc across the three worlds. He had received boons from Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible.

With time, he became arrogant and began tormenting the gods. Seeking help, the deities turned to Lord Shiva. It was revealed that Tripurasura could only be destroyed with a single arrow that struck and burned his three cities at once.

Taking the form of Tripurari, Lord Shiva mounted a divine chariot and shot a powerful arrow that destroyed the demon’s cities in one strike. To celebrate this victory, Lord Shiva and the gods descended to Earth and took a holy dip in the Ganga, a moment now marked as Dev Deepawali.

The Spiritual Significance

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is the heart of Dev Deepawali celebrations. On this night, it is said that heaven itself visits the ghats. The entire city glows with thousands of oil lamps, turning the riverbanks into a breathtaking sight.

People from all over India and even abroad visit Varanasi to experience this divine spectacle. The diyas symbolise purity, peace, and the arrival of divine energies on Earth.

Dev Deepawali Rituals and Celebrations

Unlike regular Diwali, Dev Deepawali rituals take place mostly outdoors, on the ghats, streets, and temples of Varanasi. The main tradition is Deepdan, the offering of oil lamps to the Ganga.

Devotees light rows of diyas near the river, in homes, and temples, believing they guide the gods toward the city.

The grand Ganga Aarti is another major attraction. Priests dressed in traditional attire chant mantras, ring bells, and perform synchronised movements with huge lamps, creating a mesmerising scene.

Devotees also perform Ganga Snan on the morning of Kartik Purnima, taking a dip in the holy river to cleanse their souls and seek divine blessings.

Dev Deepawali 2025: All You Need To Know

On Dev Deepawali, Varanasi transforms into a golden dream. Every ghat, temple, and home sparkles with thousands of flickering diyas, and the reflection of lights on the Ganga adds to the magic. The air is filled with chants, prayers, and a spiritual energy that feels almost otherworldly.

In recent years, the festival has also featured light and laser shows, sound performances, and cultural programs that celebrate India’s heritage. With tight security and government supervision, drones are usually restricted near the ghats, but authorised ones capture stunning visuals of the illuminated city.