Dev Deepawali 2025: Faith Shines on Ganga Ghats as CM Yogi Lights First Lamp at Namo Ghat in Kashi
Kashi illuminated with over 15 lakh diyas as the city celebrated Dev Deepawali dedicated to Operation Sindoor; CM Yogi Adityanath paid tributes to martyrs, witnessed Ganga Aarti, and inaugurated the celebrations
On the auspicious occasion of Dev Deepawali, divinity and grandeur converged on the crescent-shaped ghats of Kashi as millions of lamps illuminated the banks of the sacred Ganga. The city transformed into a celestial vision, glowing with the radiance of Sanatan faith and cultural pride. The golden reflection of countless diyas on the north-flowing Ganga at dusk made it seem as though heaven had descended upon earth.
CM Yogi Adityanath Lights the First Lamp at Namo Ghat
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Dev Deepawali 2025 by lighting the first lamp at Namo Ghat, marking the beginning of the festival of lights in the spiritual capital of India. He was joined by Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, State Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, and Mayor Ashok Tiwari.
Later, the Chief Minister boarded a cruise to witness the Ganga Aarti and the mesmerizing spectacle of millions of lamps adorning the ghats. Devotees greeted him with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as he waved to the gathered crowd from the river.
Tribute to Martyrs with Replica of Amar Jawan Jyoti
A replica of the Amar Jawan Jyoti was installed at Dashashwamedh Ghat, symbolizing a powerful blend of spirituality and nationalism. The Dev Deepawali celebration was dedicated to Operation Sindoor, honoring the sacrifices of India’s brave soldiers and their families.
Kashi Illuminated with 15–25 Lakh Diyas
Though the state government had initially targeted the lighting of one million diyas, the enthusiastic participation of citizens and devotees expanded the count to 15–25 lakh lamps — including one lakh eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung. The city’s ghats, ponds, and temples shimmered like a golden garland embracing the Ganga.
‘Kashi Katha’ 3D Show Mesmerizes at Chet Singh Ghat
At Chet Singh Ghat, the spectacular 25-minute 3D projection mapping show “Kashi Katha” seamlessly blended tradition with technology. The show depicted scenes from the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Lord Vishnu’s Chakra Pushkarni, Lord Buddha’s teachings, the bhakti traditions of Kabirdas and Tulsidas, and the establishment of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) by Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Green Crackers Show Lights Up the Sky
Across the Ganga sands, a synchronized Green Crackers Show enchanted the audience with musical fireworks designed to minimize pollution. The reflection of colorful lights on the river created a truly divine spectacle.
Maha Aarti Resonates with National Spirit
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, 21 Archaks (priests) and 42 Dev Kanyas performed the grand Maha Aarti, accompanied by conch shells and temple bells. The ghat, decorated with 21 quintals of flowers and 51,000 lamps, radiated an atmosphere of sanctity and devotion. On this occasion, brave soldiers were felicitated with the “Bhagirath Shaurya Samman.”
Special Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Dham
At Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, special prayers and decorations marked the celebration. The entire temple complex glowed with lamps and floral arrangements, as thousands of devotees offered prayers to Baba Vishwanath.
Tight Security from Land, Water, and Sky
Given the VVIP movement and massive public turnout, Varanasi was declared a no-fly zone. Unauthorized drone flights were strictly prohibited. Teams from the NDRF and Jal Police were deployed with boats, water ambulances, and safety gear. Separate boat lanes ensured organized movement on the Ganga, while anti-Romeo squads, women police in plain clothes, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) maintained crowd safety on land.
