Dev Deepawali Illuminates Kashi: Namo Ghat Inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Dev Deepawali, the revered festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, brings exceptional splendor to Kashi (Varanasi) today. In a grand celebration marked by lights, festivities, and tradition, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar served as the chief guest, symbolically lighting the first lamp at the newly inaugurated Namo Ghat. 

As part of this occasion, Dhankhar formally handed over the ghat to the people of Kashi, an event that featured a lighthearted exchange with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the ghat's grandeur. When Dhankhar asked if Namo Ghat was the largest ghat globally, CM Yogi responded, "There is no other ghat like it in the world," sparking laughter between them.

The event saw the participation of notable dignitaries, including UP Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, all of whom joined the lamp-lighting ceremony on this auspicious Dev Deepawali. 

Kashi’s Dev Deepawali celebration this year took inspiration from Ayodhya’s grand Diwali traditions, with an impressive display of 25 lakh lamps lit across Kashi’s 84 ghats and 700 temples. Additionally, laser lights enhanced the breathtaking sight, highlighting the spiritual and historical charm of the ancient city.

A Global Attraction: 15 Lakh Tourists Flock to Kashi

The celebration drew around 15 lakh visitors, with international tourists from over 40 countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and France, flocking to experience Kashi’s spiritual beauty. Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats, two of the city’s most prominent locations, were crowded with devotees and tourists who witnessed the Maha Aarti at 7 pm. Visitors eagerly captured this magical moment in their cameras, preserving the essence of Dev Deepawali as an unforgettable memory.

Namo Ghat: A New Symbol of Transformation

In his speech, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar commended the remarkable transformation of Kashi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the dedicated efforts of CM Yogi Adityanath. 

While inaugurating Namo Ghat by lighting a ceremonial lamp, Dhankhar remarked, “Namo Ghat represents the vision of Narendra Modi. It is undoubtedly the largest of its kind, symbolizing an evolving India where once-unimaginable changes are becoming a reality.” 

He emphasized that the ghat is a testament to India’s progress and the renewed identity of Kashi as a modern yet spiritually resonant city.

CM Yogi: “Kashi is Unique”

Reflecting on the city’s journey over the past decade, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Kashi’s unique blend of tradition and transformation. Describing it as “unique” on the occasion of Dev Deepawali, Yogi highlighted how the city has evolved under PM Modi’s leadership while preserving its deep cultural heritage. 

According to Yogi, Kashi has embraced change without compromising its spiritual significance. “Ten years ago, due to pollution, even experts avoided using the Ganga water for bathing. Today, Kashi’s ghats and Ganga reflect the combined efforts towards both spiritual revival and environmental restoration,” he said.

This Dev Deepawali, Kashi not only celebrated with its characteristic devotion and color but also showcased India’s profound cultural renaissance. The festival, illuminated by the lamps and the enthusiasm of its people, underscored Kashi’s timeless spirit and its transformative journey, inviting the world to witness and participate in this sacred celebration.