Every Kartik Purnima (full moon night in the month of Kartik) Varanasi comes alive with the warmth of Dev Deepavali. Each ghat is illuminated by candlelight, and more than a million clay lamps are floated down the Ganges River at dusk amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. It's believed that the Gods descend from heaven to bathe in the river on this occasion.
Dev Deepavali forms part of a five day Ganga Mahotsav festival, which is held to showcase Varanasi's cultural heritage. This year, Dev Deepavali falls on November 21, 2010.
Photo courtesy www.flickr.com user Spyros P
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