Varanasi lights up on Dev Deepawali, PM Modi calls it 'special', 'memorable' - SEE PICS

On the occasion of Dev Deepawali, lakhs of earthen lamps were lit at various ghats in Varanasi.

A senior official of the district administration said about eight lakh lamps were lit on the 84 ghats located on the western bank of the river. The eastern coast was also illuminated with about two lakh lamps. Residents also decorated the whole city with about 11 lakh earthen lamps.

As part of Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi, various cultural events were held at famous ghats like Assi and Dashashwamedh.

Multicoloured lights and boats were the major part of the attraction throughout the day. 

A major attraction among the onlookers was also the Ganga Aarti performed at the ghats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Dev Diwali is "special" and Dev Diwali in Kashi is "even more memorable". He also shared some "magnificent pictures" from the eternal city of Kashi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also shared some pictures from the Dev Deepawali celebrations.

Dev Deepawali is celebrated 15 days after Diwali on Kartik Purnima. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees come to Varanasi to offer prayers and take a dip in the Ganga. The holy festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon king Tripurasur.

According to mythology, Tripurasur had troubled humans on earth and all the gods in heaven. All the gods then went to Lord Shiva and sought his help. Accepting the request, Shiva killed Tripurasura on the day of Kartik Purnima. All the gods descended on Kashi and lit a lamp to mark the occasion and thank Lord Shiva. Since then, Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi every year.