New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed happiness about the presence of diplomats from several nations, who got a glimpse of India’s cultural vibrancy in Kashi’s Dev Deepavali.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Kashi is synonymous with Dev Deepavali and this year as well, the celebrations have been grand. Equally gladdening is the august presence of diplomats from several nations, who have got a glimpse of India’s cultural vibrancy.”
Kashi is synonymous with Dev Deepavali and this year as well, the celebrations have been grand. Equally gladdening is the august presence of diplomats from several nations, who have got a glimpse of India’s cultural vibrancy. pic.twitter.com/86LsctHjrj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 27, 2023
Today, millions of lamps illuminate Varanasi’s Ghats as devotees throng the holy city for Dev Deepavali celebrations, which is also known as ‘the Diwali of the Gods’ or ‘festival of lights of the Gods,’ on Monday.
The full moon day or the eighth lunar month, is referred to as Kartik or Kartik Purnima. This year, Kartik Purnima fell on Monday, November 27.
The festival coincides with the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika and occurs fifteen days after Diwali.
In the morning, devotees throughout the country offered prayers at various temples and ghats on the occasion of Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali.
Devotees offered prayers at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, on the occasion. A huge crowd was seen at Digha Ghat in Patna to take a bath in the Ganga on Monday morning.
In a breathtaking spectacle on Kartik Purnima evening, the ghats of Kashi looked celestial, illuminated with 21 lakh earthen lamps (diyas). Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Koti Deepotsavam programme, in Hyderabad on Monday.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the first lamp on Dev Diwali.
The event, attended by citizens and dignitaries, including ambassadors and envoys from 70 countries, 150 delegates and their families, showcased the splendour of Kashi on the festival.
Varanasi witnessed the lighting of approximately 21 lakh diyas, with over 12 lakh people adorning the crescent-shaped ghats. One lakh lamps were made from cow dung, adding a traditional touch to the luminous display.