Dev Deepawali: How PM's constituency Varanasi celebrated with diyas, fireworks

• As the sun set on Friday, the ghats of Varanasi were lit by 12 lakh earthen lamps. Diyas were lit across the east bank of the Ganga on the occasion of Dev Deepawali. The laser show at the ghats added to the beauty of Dev Deepawali celebration. Dev Deepawali festivities begin on the Ekadashi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Festivities conclude on the fifth day, which is the Kartik Purnima Tithi (full moon night). It is believed, on this day devas celebrated Diwali after Lord Shiva defeated asuras. This year, the festival drew a large number of domestic tourists & a few foreign tourists. A replica of India Gate was also made on the Dashashwamedh Ghat. At the same time, Mahaarti of the Ganga was performed by Ganga Seva Nidhi (GSN). All the boats at the ghats were beautifully decorated with digital lighting. People rode these boats & watched the Dev Deepawali celebrations on the banks. Tight security arrangements were in place; PAC, policemen were deployed at the ghats. NDRF men & water police personnel were also deployed on boats on the Ganga.