Dev Deepavali is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (also known as Kartik Purnima), fifteenth day of Diwali. Ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps). It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali, the Gods descend on Earth. The people pay a tribute to river Ganga. Several festivities are observed on this day: Guru Nanaka Jayanti, Tulsi vivah, Jain light festival, Ganga mahotsava and Dev deepavali.
Legend has it that the Demon Tripurasura gained great powers by Lord Brahma and started harassing everyone around. Seeing this havoc all demigods approached Lord Shiva and prayed for protected. Lord Shiva being very compassionate went to Tripurasura and fought for several years. Finally Lord Shiva was successful in killing the demon on the day of Kartik purnima.
Another legend says that on this day Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya avatar to protect Manu, the first man of human kind, from Maha pralay or deluge. Thus devotees of Vishnu take this as a special day to worship Lord Vishnu.
For the Jains, it is the day of ‘Nirvana’ of Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara. To them it is the Deva Diwali when Lord Mahavira is worshiped, Agams (Jain holy books) are read and homes and temples are illuminated. Lamps are lit under the moonlight sky and a family feast celebrates this day.
This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Many Hindus observe fast on this day and make a point to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers. Tulsi devi is worshiped with great reverence. Watering, planting and worshipping Tulsi devi has special significance. Some even perform the sacred ritual of Tulsi vivah on this day. As this day is also celebrated as Dev deepavali or Choti diwali, diyas are lit in the night. Chanting of Holy names of Lord Vishnu is considered very auspicious on this day. Special dishes are made on this day which people share with friends. The moonlit night of Kartik purnima makes the day unforgettable for everyone.
Dev Diwali marks the end of the fortnight of Diwali celebrations and a major event on the day is the lighting of Diyas (lamps) during night after the moon is sighted.
