Varanasi: As the city, known for its rich cultural heritage, prepares to celebrate the grand Dev Deepawali on Friday (November 15), a massive influx of lakhs of tourists is expected to throng the holy town to witness the auspicious festival.
Dev Deepawali, a significant cultural event, is particularly celebrated in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. It is observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, along with Kartik Purnima. The day is celebrated to mark Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur.
As the city gears up for a huge influx of tourists this year, the hotels and boats are also witnessing unprecedented demand. As per official estimates, about 10 lakh tourists are expected to visit the city this year.
Hotels, homestays as well as boats in the city have been eagerly booked, ahead of the much-anticipated Dev Deepawali. This year is likely to have 20 percent more tourists, as compared to last year, adding to the excitement and buzz of the event.
Priyank Dev Singh, Secretary of Varanasi Hotel Association, said that this year, the number of tourists on Dev Diwali has increased significantly compared to last year. Most of the tourists are staying in homestays and guest houses.
“Booking for Dev Diwali starts in June. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people about it, and the tourists who come here also go to Ayodhya. Apart from this, tourism is also being promoted by the government,” he said.
A couple of boatmen also shared information about the huge rush this time.
Boatman Makalu Sahni said that every year he makes necessary preparations for Dev Diwali. During this time, he takes care of passengers’ facilities. This time, there is a lot of enthusiasm among people, and most of the boats have also been booked in advance.”
Another boatman, Tinku Sahni, said that boats are booked a week in advance. This time, people are booking boats in sharing mode.
On the occasion of Dev Deepawali, plans have been afoot to light up the 84 ghats of the holy town with 17 lakh earthen lamps. Apart from this, fireworks and laser shows will also be organised. Elaborate arrangements have also been made for the world-famous Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
–IANS
