Dev Deepawali @ Kashi

Gods & Goddesses descend upon earth on Kartik Purnima to take a dip in the Holy Ganges at Shiva's abode, Kashi. The day marks the end of Chaumasa and the annihilation of demon king Tripurasur by Mahadev himself.

The legend of Dev Deepawali, or Dev Diwali, centers around Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. After Shiva defeated the demon who terrorized the three worlds, the gods & goddesses descended on Earth to bathe in the sacred Ganga in Varanasi to celebrate that victory. This is why the festival is known as the "Festival of Lights of the Gods," where millions of diyas are lit on the ghats of Varanasi to honor their descent. Victory over evil: The core story is the triumph of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Divine celebration: The gods themselves are believed to come down to Earth on this day and bathe in the Holy Ganga in Varanasi, which is why it's called the "Dev" or "Gods'" Diwali. Symbolic offering: The lighting of millions of earthen lamps (diyas) is an act of worship and a way to welcome the gods...