Dev Deepawali Celebrated with 51,000 Diyas at Varanasi Ghat for Batoge to Katoge Unity

On Friday, over 51,000 diyas were lit at a Varanasi ghat for Dev Deepawali, forming the slogan "Batoge to Katoge." This phrase was recently introduced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging unity among Hindus. The lighting took place at Pandey Ghat in Varanasi, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency. Several opposition leaders have criticised the slogan as communal.

During the event, more than 21 lakh diyas illuminated the city's ghats. Chief Minister Adityanath and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar played the damru, a percussion instrument associated with Lord Shiva, to mark the occasion. They also interacted with performers and encouraged the damru group. Dev Deepawali, celebrated 15 days after Diwali on Kartik's full moon night according to the Hindu calendar, honours Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura.

Dev Deepawali Celebrations Illuminate Varanasi

The UP government reported that Kashi's ghats were adorned with a record 17 lakh lamps, with an additional 4 lakh around the temple city. The celebration began with Dhankhar, Adityanath, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel lighting the first lamp at Namo Ghat. After this inauguration, they boarded a cruise to witness the Maha Aarti of Ganga.

At Chet Singh Ghat, a 3D projection mapping, laser show, and fireworks lit up the riverbank. Conch shells, bells, and gongs resonated across the ghats as Maha Aartis welcomed deities. Dashashwamedh Ghat's Maha Aarti carried a message of nationalism with an Amar Jawan Jyoti replica paying tribute to Indian soldiers. This year's ceremony honoured Kargil War martyrs under Bhagirath Shaurya Samman.

Security Measures and Public Participation

The aarti involved 21 priests and 42 women performing as Riddhi-Siddhi. It was broadcast live on LED screens at six prominent city locations. The UP government contributed 12 lakh lamps, alongside 3 lakh eco-friendly lamps made from cow dung. With public participation, over 21 lakh lamps formed a continuous light chain across ghats, temples, and ponds.

Electrical decorations and tricolour spirals enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham featured green fireworks. Before the festival, Varanasi was declared a no-fly zone with drones banned. Plainclothes female police officers and anti-Romeo squads were deployed at ghats for security.

Specific lanes were designated for boat movement on the Ganga with safety guidelines for operators. National Disaster Response Force teams and river police were stationed with water ambulances and medical equipment for emergencies.