Varanasi is buzzing as the city prepares for Dev Deepawali, the world‑famous lights festival that turns the Ganges into a glittering tapestry. The banks of the holy river will be illuminated with an estimated one million lamps, a dazzling display that draws visitors from all over India and beyond.
A striking highlight of this year’s celebration is the involvement of Muslim women from Varanasi. For the past two weeks, around 300 women have been working in small groups to make 100,000 diyas (lamps) from cow dung. “We’re proud to add our handmade lamps to the glow of Varanasi,” said one of the makers. The effort showcases Ganga‑Jamuni Tehzeeb, the tradition of harmony between Hindus and Muslims, and adds an eco‑friendly touch to the fest.
Uttar Pradesh officials are planning even larger numbers. The state government aims to light 10 lakh lamps—an ambitious goal that could set the Ganges on fire with luminous brilliance. Among them, the 100,000 cow‑dung lamps will give the ritual a traditional, sustainable edge.
The festival, celebrated on November 5, will be accompanied by a four‑day cultural programme called Ganga Mahotsav at Rajghat from November 1 to 4. Local musicians, dancers and artists will perform, and a laser show at Chet Singh Ghat will retell the city’s mythological stories. To keep the environment in mind, the city will also use green fireworks and launch a clean‑up drive along the ghats.
Dev Deepawali turns Kashi into a radiant canvas of faith and culture. Hotels, guest houses, boats and barges are already booked to capacity, as dozens of thousand devotees and tourists line up to see the river light up in a spectacular fusion of light and tradition.
Source: ianslive
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