Dev Deepawali is a unique confluence of Kashi’s eternal tradition: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that Kashi’s Dev Deepawali should be organised in such a way that it becomes a global message of India’s cultural soul and spiritual consciousness.

In a high-level meeting here, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed in detail the preparations for Dev Deepawali 2025, to be held in Varanasi on November 5.

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He said that Dev Deepawali is a unique confluence of Kashi’s eternal tradition, Ganga worship, and folk faith. This festival is a living symbol of India’s age-old tradition, where lamps are not just a light but a symbol of religion, duty, and nationalism.

Besides, he directed that all preparations for the Ganga Mahotsav (November 1 to 4) and the main event, Dev Deepawali (November 5) should be timely, organised, and of high quality.

“Preparations for lighting the ghats with lamps, cultural programmes, and public participation should be designed to reflect a balance of devotion, discipline, and beauty,” he said, adding that the spectacle of lighting lamps on the banks of the Ganga should be an example of devotion and discipline.

The meeting was informed that a laser show, including a 25-minute projection, is planned three times daily at Chet Singh Ghat. Similarly, a sand art installation will be installed between Kashi Vishwanath Ghat and Chet Singh Ghat. A 10-minute green firecracker show will be held in front of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Ghat, along with green fireworks, a laser show, and a musical performance.

The Chief Minister stated that the celebration of Dev Deepawali should embody the spirit of “Clean Kashi, Green Kashi, Divine Kashi.” Cleanliness, accessibility, and lighting should be maintained from the ghats to the streets. He directed special attention to traffic management, parking, barricading, shuttle services, power supply, and medical services to ensure no traffic jams or chaos occurred. He stated that the active participation of local artists, schools, NGOs, women’s groups, and religious leaders should be ensured in the cultural programmes organised on the banks of the Ganga. This event should become a symbol of public cooperation, social harmony, and national pride.

The Chief Minister stated that this festival in Kashi is not merely a religious one but a celebration of faith, discipline, and self-confidence. Devotees and tourists visiting Kashi should experience the Indian tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” by witnessing the sanctity, order, and discipline of the place.

The Chief Minister specifically directed the Tourism, Municipal Corporation, Police, Water Police, Culture, Irrigation, PWD, Electricity, and Health departments to ensure the necessary preparations in accordance with their responsibilities.

He stated that on the occasion of Dev Deepawali, proper arrangements should be made for smart lighting, attractive floral decorations, theme-based installations, and drone and CCTV monitoring at the ghats. He also directed that special attention be paid to the cleanliness and decoration of the ghats, streets, and major roads, and that adequate sanitation workers be deployed at each ghat.

The Chief Minister stated that the control room should be operational 24×7, and CCTV feeds should be continuously monitored from the command centre. Adequate toilets, drinking water, medical assistance, and first aid centers should be established for the convenience of pilgrims. Emergency boat and ambulance services should be available near the ghats. Boatmen should be provided with life jackets, registration tags, and route information to ensure their safety.

The Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for the Deepotsav celebrations at all major ghats, including Namo Ghat, Raj Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat, and directed that lamp decorations, tourist facilities, and security measures be maintained at a high level. He stated that the boatman community is an integral part of Kashi’s tradition; their enthusiasm and contribution further enhance the grandeur of Dev Deepawali. The administration should ensure they receive adequate support and ensure safe boat services for pilgrims.