Kashi glows with 15 lakh diyas as Dev Deepawali lights up Ganga ghats

The sacred ghats of Varanasi came alive on Wednesday evening as more than 15 lakh earthen diyas lit up both banks of the Ganga, transforming the holy river into a shimmering stream of light and devotion.

The air reverberated with chants, bells, and conch shells as thousands gathered for the world-famous Dev Deepawali — a celebration where faith meets festivity.

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From Namoghat to Assi, devotees, volunteers, women’s groups, and local potter families together created a breathtaking glow that stretched across 88 ghats. The collective effort turned Kashi into a living canvas of spirituality and community participation. The sight of millions of flickering lamps reflected on the Ganga left visitors — including foreign tourists — spellbound.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh joined the celebrations, lighting diyas and offering prayers on the riverfront. Both leaders interacted with devotees and extended greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion.

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Kashi has become a global centre of faith, culture, and innovation. Dev Deepawali is not just a festival, it is a living expression of our collective devotion, unity, and organizational excellence.”

Eight major ghats — including Dashashwamedh, Namoghat, Assi, Panchganga, and Tulsi — witnessed synchronised Ganga Aarti, while 97 city landmarks were illuminated as part of the festivities. The unified radiance across the city reaffirmed Varanasi’s timeless spiritual identity and its growing global appeal.

The event was attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat, Special Secretary Eesha Priya, Varanasi Mayor Ashok Shukla, and senior tourism officials.