Why Dev Diwali is Celebrated?

Dev Diwali goes back to a story of power, pride, and how it was brought under control. It begins with three demon brothers who were granted a boon by Lord Brahma that they could only be defeated with a single arrow. To put an end to the destruction, Lord Shiva took on the form of Tripurari and struck them down with a single arrow, in an event known as Tripura Samhara. It didn’t take long before things got out of hand. To bring things back in control, Lord Shiva took on the form of Tripurari and brought them down with one arrow, putting an end to the chaos in one clean strike. This event is known as Tripura Samhara. This moment of divine intervention is why Dev Diwali is celebrated, to honor the triumph of good over overwhelming force.

Must Checkout: Highlights of Dev Diwali

It’s widely believed that on the night of Dev Diwali, the gods come down to the ghats of Varanasi to bathe in the Ganga. That belief changes how the entire city prepares, ghats are scrubbed clean, lined with diyas, and decorated as though hosting a guest of honour. From the steps of the temples to the rooftops above, every space is lit with care. For many, this night isn’t just a celebration, it’s a way of honouring the Ganga and giving the moment the attention it’s believed to deserve.

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Kartik Purnima, a date that holds deep importance in many traditions. It marks the end of Kartik Snan, a month when people follow a routine of waking up early, bathing in holy rivers, offering prayers, and staying away from indulgence. The lighting of lamps on Dev Diwali isn’t random; it comes after weeks of discipline. It signals a shift from quiet observance to open celebration, and sets the stage for people to move ahead with a sense of clarity and purpose.

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For Jains, Dev Diwali is a beautiful occasion that celebrates Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attaining nirvana. Families usually spend this day reading scriptures, offering prayers, and doing acts of charity. A day for all the Jains to pause and reconnect with Lord Mahavira’s core teachings of living with discipline, letting go of attachment, and staying committed to a simple, thoughtful life. On this day, many Jain pilgrims also plan their travels to Mt. Girnar in Gujarat to celebrate the occasion.

Must Checkout: Attractions of Dev Diwali

You can’t separate Dev Diwali from the Ganga or the ghats of Varanasi, it’s all part of the same picture. Places like Dashashwamedh, Rajendra Prasad, and Assi Ghat lit up with millions of diyas. On the evening of Dev Diwali, you can witness thousands of floating diyas set into the water, aartis being performed, and the sound of mantras mesmerising you. These rituals aren’t new, they’ve been carried on through families living in Banaras for decades, taught at home, not something people read about in books.

The day of Kartik Purnima is also celebrated as Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It’s a day of deep significance for the Sikh community, centered around prayer, reflection, and service, core values that Guru Nanak lived by. People from the community celebrate this day with kirtans (singing devotional songs) and Akhand Path (reading of the Guru Gran Sahib). While diyas light up the ghats of Varanasi, nearby gurdwaras serve langar (hosting community meals) to all. This shared moment between communities shows how different faiths can observe their own ways while still echoing a common sense of purpose.