The Night the Gods Visit the Ganges
Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the Gods, is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, the full moon night that falls about fifteen days after Diwali. On this night the whole riverfront is lined with countless clay lamps.
According to tradition, the gods descend to the Ganges on this night to bathe in the holy river. The festival is also linked with the legend of Lord Shiva defeating the demon Tripurasura, which the gods celebrated by lighting lamps. This is why the day is also known as Tripurari Purnima.
Today the evening begins with devotees bathing and floating small diyas on the river. After sunset the ghats glow with lamps, the Ganga Aarti is performed with bells and chants, and boats drift slowly past the lit steps. It is one of the most beautiful nights of the year to see Varanasi from the water.