Varanasi: It was a breathtaking view with lakhs of diyas twinkling on the ghats of the Ganga, and a sublime moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit the first earthen lamp to start the celebrations of Dev Deepawali, when Gods are believed to descend to bathe in the holy river, in Varanasi on Monday evening.
It was a transcendental experience for the people of Kashi who had never seen such a grand and glittering celebration on Dev Deepawali and one which even PM Modi will cherish for always despite having visited his parliamentary constituency many times till now.
The celebrations began with the PM lighting a diya at Raj Ghat and soon lakhs of diyas lit up. It seemed as if innumerable stars had fallen from the sky on the pious land of the holy city to turn the banks of the Ganga even more beautiful on the pious occasion.
After lighting the lamp and addressing the gathering at Raj Ghat, the PM took a ride on cruise to watch the grandeur of Dev Deepawali along the 7.5km stretch of Ganga river’s bank.
This year, the sand bed of the river on the opposite bank was also decorated extensively with sand art and illuminated with earthen lamps and lights.
On the way, the PM witnessed the mesmerizing laser show at Chet Singh Ghat. After arriving at Ravidas Ghat, he paid floral tributes at the statue of Sant Ravidas.
Earlier, PM Modi accompanied by CM Yogi Adityanath visited Kashi Vishwanath temple to see the progress of work in KV Dham corridor project. He also offered prayers to Lord Vishwanath before proceeding to Raj Ghat.
On Dev Deepawali devotees pray to Maa Ganga and offer flowers and diyas in the evening.