New Delhi: The magnificent Dev Deepawali of Kashi (Varanasi) will take place on Friday. All 84 ghats have been prepared for illumination with 17 lakh diyas (earthen candles). This time, the diyas are dedicated to women’s empowerment. Moreover, respect will be offered to the legendary late industrialist Ratan Tata on the ghats of Kashi.
In addition, the city has spared no effort to make this Dev Deepawali memorable. Ganga Dwar and Chet Singh Ghat will organise laser shows and fireworks. Elaborate arrangements, promising a visual treat, have also been made for the world-famous Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The city of Varanasi is abuzz with excitement. Lakhs of tourists are expected to throng the holy town to witness the auspicious festival. The increased tourist expectations add to the anticipation and fervour of the event.
Dev Deepawali is observed annually in the Hindu calendar annually on the 15th lunar day of the Kartik month, along with Kartik Purnima. The day is celebrated to mark Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur. Kartik Purnima falls on November 15 this year, so Dev Deepawali of Kashi will be celebrated today.
The Dev Deepawali is expected to draw 20 percent more tourists this time than last year, and hotels and boats have also witnessed unprecedented demand.
Hotels, homestays, and boats in the city have already been booked ahead of Dev Deepawali, and according to official estimates, about 10 lakh tourists are expected to visit the city this time.
Priyank Dev Singh, Secretary of Varanasi Hotel Association, said that this year, the number of tourists to Dev Deepawali has increased significantly compared to last year. Most of the tourists are staying in homestays and guest houses.
“Booking for Dev Deepawali starts from June itself. 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.
Boatman Makalu Sahni said that he makes the necessary preparations for Dev Deepawali every year. 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,” Sahni said.
–IANS
(FILE PHOTO:IANS)
