Kanpur: Devotees observed Dev Deepawali at homes and along the ghats of river Ganga with profound faith and fervour. They illuminated earthen lamps and worshipped Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu mythology, this auspicious day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Whilst traditionally celebrated in Varanasi along the banks of river Ganga, the festival has now spread throughout India. Hindu devotees illuminate thousands of earthen lamps at Ghats, creating a spectacular Deepawali-like ambience.
The celebration commemorates Lord Shiva's triumph over demon Tripurasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. This festival also honours Lord Kartik's birth, son of Shiva. It is believed that on this sacred day, Hindu deities descend from the heavens to celebrate their victory over darkness, partaking in Kartik Snan in the sacred Ganga.Devotees believe a holy dip in the Ganga on this day absolves sins and bestows blessings and prosperity.
Following tradition, devotees visited river Ganga for their morning ablutions before worshipping in temples. At homes, ladies adorned their prayer areas with Rangoli and flowers, offering prayers alongside sweets and Kheel Laiya. They performed ritualistic worship of the Tulsi plant with customary practices.
In the evening, devotees illuminated earthen lamps outside their houses, whilst temples were beautifully decorated with lamps.
Jyoti Mahila Samiti illuminated approximately 1100 earthen lamps at Sarsiya Ghat and conducted Maha Ganga Aarti. Various other ghats including Atal ghat, Sasaiya ghat, Parmat ghat and Sidhanath ghat, were also illuminated.
The Sikh community celebrated Prakash Parv. Under Shri Guru Singh Sabha Latoosh Road's aegis, on the 555th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj Ji, devotees paid obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib and participated in langar. Motijheel adorned the Darbar of Guru Granth Sahib.
Post prayers, Guru Ka Langar commenced where countless devotees sat in pangat and received prasad. Saropa was presented to Suresh Khanna, Minister of Uttar Pradesh Government, Arun Pathak, Suresh Awasthi, Nilima Katiyar, Guruvinder Singh Vicky, and Naseem Solanki.