After Ayodhya Deepotsav, UP govt prepares for grand Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

New Delhi: Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram created yet another world record by lighting up record 6 lakh earthen lamps, on the occasion of Diwali.
Now, the state is gearing up for a grand and majestic Dev Deepawali on the banks of river Ganga of Varanasi held every year.

Covid-19 pandemic has clouded the itinerary of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi but Yogi govt’s nod for similar celebration has energised the organisers and tourism industry.

The tourism industry buoyed up by successful organisation of Ayodhya Deepotsav expects more footfalls in coming years and foresee the holy towns as emerging tourism hotspots.

Gokul Sharma, president of the Benares Hotel Association says that after the success of the Deeopotsava at Ayodhya recently, the footfalls was likely to increase.

The tourism department pins hopes of 15% increase in tourist footfall. People associated with hotels and tourism industry believe that if the government granted visas, then foreign guests would come and there would be a big wave in the tourism industry.

President of Tourism Welfare Association Rahul Mehta informed that the Yogi government had successfully sustained most sectors during the pandemic and this applied to the tourism sector as well. He added that tourism was the backbone of economy in Varanasi and neighbouring areas.

Industry insiders believe that the successful organisation of Dev Deepawali would go a long way in infusing confidence and bringing back normalcy in the tourism sector.

Dev Deepawali and its significance

It is believed that on Kartik Purnima, the deities descend from the heaven to ghats of river Ganga of Kashi to celebrate Diwali. Every year, Maha Aarti is organised here to pave the way of salvation of devotees. This festival has been a special part of the ancient culture of Kashi.

The description of Dev Diwali is found in Shiva Purana. It says that when the demon named Tripura Sur was torturing and killing Gods in Karthik month, then Lord Vishnu came down on earth and killed this cruel demon on this day. It is believed that on this day all the gods and goddesses of Dev Lok are present in the invisible form on the ghat of river Ganga in Varanasi.