A fortnight after Deepawali, on the auspicious tithi of Kartik Purnima that signifies the end of the celestial month of Kartik, the ghats of Varanasi come alive with more than a million lamps or diyas, amidst chanting of vedic mantras, ringing of bells and blowing of conch-shells, in celebration of the festival of Dev Deepawali. This ritual is a tribute to the river Ganga by the people of Varanasi as it is believed that even the gods descend to earth on this day to bathe in the holiness of the Ganga. It is interesting to note that this Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with the Jain light festival and Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Against the backdrop of the illuminated ghats of the Ganga, the rising full moon casting its twinkling reflection is an uplifting experience beyond narration. This celebration is also a grand finale to the Ganga Mahotsav, the tourism festival of Varanasi which is held every year from Prabodhani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima.
