After Deepotsav, preparations on for Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on Nov 27

Deepotsava in Ayodhya was started seven years ago, but Dev Deepawali is celebrated every year on Kartik Purnima attracting huge gatherings of tourists and pilgrims — both Indian and foreigners.

UP Tourism Department Principal Secretary Mukesh Meshram told The Indian Express, “Public participation in this event is quite high. This year we expect a gathering of over 5 lakh people on the day of Dev Deepawali as it takes place on Kartik Purnima, which is regarded as a very auspicious day. Funds have been provided to different organisations, including the municipal corporation for the Ganga Mahotsava, cultural events, etc.”

“Projection mapping will be done on the walls of the Kashi Vishwanath temple on the day of Dev Deepwali, showcasing the culture and traditions of Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, there will be musical shows, a light and sound show along with firecrackers show on the other side of the Ganga, which the visitors can enjoy from the ghats,” Meshram said.

Besides these, the Panch Kosi Parikrama marg would be beautified by wall paintings and decoratives, he said.

According to official sources, several activities like rangolis of Chattrapati Shivaji, Guru Nanak and Ayodhya’s Ram temple, among others, lighting of diyas and firecracker show have been planned on the sand on the opposite side of the Ganga ghats this year and the preparations for these have been started. These will be visible from the ghats and can be reached by boats, they said.

Officials said more than 11 lakh diyas, of which at least 1 lakh will be made of cow dung, will be lit at 84 ghats.

Apart from arranging an adequate number of boats, the government is also planning to construct a floating makeshift bridge on the Ganga for the visitors to watch fireworks, rangolis, lighting of diyas, etc, on the other side of the river, they said.

Several safety measures have also been taken to deal with any emergency.

Officials said high-level security arrangements are being made like deployment of ‘Anti-Romeo squads’ on at least 17 prominent ghats.

Diyas will be lit by 5.15 pm, and officials have been directed to form quick response teams for group management and assistance.