Fri Nov 15 13:43:05 UTC 2024: ## Dev Diwali 2024: Hindus Celebrate Kartik Purnima with Rituals and Blessings
**Varanasi, India** – Hindus across India are celebrating Kartik Purnima, also known as Dev Diwali, today, November 15th, 2024. This auspicious day marks the end of the Kartik month and is celebrated as a festival of lights.
According to Hindu belief, on this day, the deities descend from heaven to Earth and bathe in the sacred Ganges River. As a tribute, devotees light lamps and candles along the banks of the Ganges, particularly in the holy city of Varanasi, signifying the return of the gods.
This tradition stems from the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. The gods, overjoyed at their deliverance, celebrated with lights in the divine city of Kashi, now known as Varanasi.
The day holds immense religious significance, with rituals like taking a dip in the Ganges, performing aarti (prayer), and offering donations believed to bring blessings and liberation for ancestors.
The auspicious time for the Dev Diwali puja is from 5:10 PM to 7:47 PM.
In Varanasi, the ghats (riverbanks) are bustling with activity. Thousands of devotees took a dip in the Ganges this morning and participated in a grand aarti ceremony. The city is adorned with lights, and the atmosphere is filled with religious fervour.
Kartik Purnima is considered a time for spiritual cleansing and seeking divine grace. Devotees also perform rituals like the Tulsi Vivah (marriage of the Tulsi plant) and recite the Satyanarayan Katha.
The day is also observed as a day of charity. Donations of food, clothing, and money are believed to bring immense blessings.
The celebration of Kartik Purnima offers a unique blend of faith, tradition, and community, making it a significant day for Hindus worldwide.
First Piper 