Deepavali and Dev Deepawali celebrations in India

Deepavali, a major festival celebrated across India, is a time for renewal, decoration, and positive energy. Modern celebrations often emphasize sustainability by reusing existing decor, textiles, and household items rather than making new purchases.

In Varanasi, the Dev Deepawali festival is observed on Kartik Purnima, which falls on November 24, 2026. This event occurs 15 days after Diwali and commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. During the festival, the city’s historic ghats and the riverfront along the Ganga are illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps, or diyas, as part of a spiritual spectacle believed to be the time when gods descend to bathe in the river.