Sat Nov 16 13:06:40 UTC 2024: ## Millions of Lamps Illuminate Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
**Varanasi, India –** The holy city of Varanasi shone brightly on November 15th as it hosted a spectacular Dev Deepawali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods. Over one million diyas (oil lamps) illuminated the ghats (steps leading down to the river) along the Ganga River, transforming the city into a breathtaking spectacle of light. The celebrations, which followed Diwali on October 31st, extended from Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat.
The festivities included a dazzling fireworks display, a Ganga Aarti (river worship ceremony), and four daily showings of a 25-minute 3D laser show featuring 24 high-powered projectors. The laser show depicted Kashi’s rich religious and cultural history. An estimated 1.1 million lamps were lit across the city’s 84 ghats.
Thousands of devotees participated in the celebrations, chanting “Har Mahadev” during the fireworks and enjoying boat rides on the Ganga as the sky blazed with color.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his congratulations on X (formerly Twitter), posting stunning images and stating, “The grand form of Baba Vishwanath’s city Kashi, glittering with millions of diyas on Dev Deepawali, captivates the mind… I wish that the divine light spread all around on the banks of Maa Ganga illuminates everyone’s life with happiness, peace, prosperity and good health.”
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi drew praise for its impressive scale and successful fusion of tradition, spirituality, and modern technology, providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.
First Piper 