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Nidhi Staff answered 4 months ago
Dev Deepawali, celebrated in Varanasi, is a spectacular festival that takes place on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima. It is known for its grand celebration along the ghats of the Ganges River. For first-time visitors, here are the best ghats to visit during Dev Deepawali:
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Highlights: This ghat is the main venue for the Ganga Aarti, which is a significant attraction during Dev Deepawali. The ceremony is mesmerizing, with thousands of lamps floating on the river.
Location: Near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening to get a good spot for viewing the Ganga Aarti and the floating lamps.
2. Assi Ghat
Highlights: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and less crowded compared to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Assi Ghat offers a more relaxed view of the celebrations and is a great spot to witness the floating diyas.
Location: Southern end of the Varanasi ghats.
Best Time to Visit: Late evening for a quieter experience and to see the floating lamps.
3. Manikarnika Ghat
Highlights: One of the oldest and most sacred ghats, Manikarnika is significant for its traditional rituals and ceremonies. It offers a deep insight into the spiritual aspects of Varanasi.
Location: Central Varanasi.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening, but be respectful of the local customs and rituals.
4. Harishchandra Ghat
Highlights: This ghat is similar to Manikarnika Ghat in terms of its religious importance and is also known for its cremation rituals. It provides a unique perspective on the spiritual practices of Varanasi.
Location: North of the city.
Best Time to Visit: Evening, but be mindful of the ongoing ceremonies.
5. Kedar Ghat
Highlights: Known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Kedar Ghat is less crowded and offers a peaceful view of the festival activities.
Location: Close to the Kedar Temple.
Best Time to Visit: Evening, to enjoy the festival lights and decorations in a less crowded setting.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Dress Modestly: Varanasi is a sacred city, and it’s important to dress modestly when visiting the ghats.
Respect Local Customs: Be aware of and respect the local rituals and practices, especially at ghats like Manikarnika and Harishchandra.
Arrive Early: To get the best viewing spots, especially for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, it’s advisable to arrive early.
Use Local Transport: Consider using local rickshaws or taxis to navigate the narrow lanes of Varanasi.
Stay Hydrated and Carry Cash: Keep hydrated and carry some cash for small purchases or donations, as card payments may not be widely accepted.
Enjoy your visit to Varanasi during Dev Deepawali, and take in the breathtaking sights and spiritual ambiance of this incredible festival!
raman Staff answered 7 days ago
Dev Deepavali in Varanasi, celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik (usually in November), is a mesmerizing festival when the ghats come alive with millions of diyas (oil lamps) lining the riverbank, creating an unforgettable sight. Here are some of the best ghats to visit during this magical time:
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Highlights: This is the main and most iconic ghat in Varanasi. It’s known for its spectacular Ganga Aarti, which is even grander on Dev Deepavali. The entire ghat is adorned with thousands of diyas, flowers, and rangolis (colored powder designs).
Why Visit: As the epicenter of Dev Deepavali celebrations, Dashashwamedh Ghat offers the most immersive experience, with priests performing elaborate rituals and crowds chanting mantras. This ghat is ideal for viewing the Aarti and the beautiful diyas.
2. Assi Ghat
Highlights: Located at the southernmost end of the ghats, Assi Ghat is popular among tourists and locals alike for its calm ambiance. During Dev Deepavali, it hosts a slightly less crowded but equally beautiful celebration.
Why Visit: Assi Ghat provides a tranquil experience compared to the bustling Dashashwamedh, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the festival in a more relaxed setting. The Aarti here is conducted with grandeur, yet the atmosphere is more peaceful.
3. Rajendra Prasad Ghat
Highlights: Situated next to Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat is beautifully lit up and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the celebrations at Dashashwamedh.
Why Visit: This ghat offers a beautiful view of the adjacent ghats and allows for a somewhat less crowded experience, while still being close to the main celebrations.
4. Panchganga Ghat
Highlights: This historic ghat is where five holy rivers are believed to converge. On Dev Deepavali, Panchganga Ghat shines with an array of lamps and offers a serene ambiance.
Why Visit: Panchganga Ghat provides a unique spiritual experience and a quieter celebration, perfect for those looking to connect with Varanasi’s ancient spiritual energy.
5. Manikarnika Ghat
Highlights: Manikarnika is Varanasi’s main cremation ghat and is highly sacred. Although it’s not traditionally a festival location, it is deeply connected to the city’s spiritual fabric.
Why Visit: While not for everyone, visiting Manikarnika during Dev Deepavali provides a powerful reflection on life and death, a theme central to Varanasi’s culture. The ghat is often lit up, and the surrounding ghats’ festivities create a surreal ambiance.
6. Munshi Ghat
Highlights: Known for its majestic architecture and heritage, Munshi Ghat becomes even more beautiful with the lighting of diyas on Dev Deepavali.
Why Visit: Munshi Ghat offers a quieter setting with a beautiful view of the river. It’s ideal for photographers and those wanting to capture the event’s splendor from a unique angle.
7. Scindia Ghat
Highlights: Scindia Ghat is famous for its partially submerged Shiva temple. During Dev Deepavali, the temple and the ghat are decorated with lamps, creating a mystical scene.
Why Visit: This ghat is less crowded, and the sight of the ancient temple surrounded by lamps offers a stunning view, especially for photography enthusiasts.
8. Kedar Ghat
Highlights: Known for its bright red and white temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedar Ghat is popular with South Indian pilgrims and comes alive with vibrant decorations during Dev Deepavali.
Why Visit: The ghat provides a traditional yet colorful atmosphere, giving you a glimpse into the diversity of Varanasi’s pilgrims. The view of the river from Kedar Ghat is especially beautiful at night.
9. Tulsi Ghat
Highlights: Named after the poet-saint Tulsidas, this ghat is known for its cultural significance and poetry recitations during festivals.
Why Visit: On Dev Deepavali, Tulsi Ghat offers a culturally enriched experience, often featuring performances of bhajans (devotional songs) and poetry in honor of Lord Ram.
10. Man Mandir Ghat
Highlights: With its historical palace built by Maharaja Man Singh of Jaipur, Man Mandir Ghat is an architectural gem and is beautifully decorated for Dev Deepavali.
Why Visit: The historical palace provides an elevated view of the celebrations, and the ghat itself is less crowded, making it a peaceful spot to witness the lights on the river.
11. Chet Singh Ghat
Highlights: Known for its old fort and scenic beauty, Chet Singh Ghat is a quieter spot compared to the main ghats.
Why Visit: This ghat offers a beautiful backdrop for Dev Deepavali with fewer crowds, making it an ideal choice for families and photographers looking for a unique view.
Tips for Visiting the Ghats During Dev Deepavali
Arrive Early: The ghats get very crowded, especially Dashashwamedh, so it’s best to arrive early to find a good spot.
Boat Rides: Hiring a boat is an excellent way to witness the entire stretch of illuminated ghats from the river. Many people prefer boat rides for the best view of the Aarti and the festival lights.
Dress Comfortably: Since the ghats are crowded, wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear.
Safety: Be mindful of the crowds and stick to your group, especially on busy ghats like Dashashwamedh.
Photography: Some ghats allow photography while others don’t, so check beforehand, especially at ghats with sensitive ceremonies like Manikarnika.
Witnessing Dev Deepavali on the ghats of Varanasi is truly a soul-stirring experience that highlights the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.