On the auspicious occasion of Dev Deepawali, the internationally famous 88-odd ghats on the banks of holy Ganga, known as Uttarwahini (flows towards the north) as well as its sandy land across the river will be illuminated with about 11 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) on November 27. When Maa Ganga is decorated with garlands of lamps on the half-moon (semi-circled) shaped ghats of river Ganga, it seems amazing as it looks like the stars have come down to the ground. Lakhs of Indian and foreign tourists come to Kashi to see this memorable event every year.
The state government has made an arrangement that out of 11 lakh diyas to be lighted, one lakh will be made from cow dung.
Deputy Director of Tourism department Rajendra Kumar Rawat said that out of 11 lakh lamps, one lakh lamps will be made from cow dung. According to him, about six lakh diyas will be lit on the ghats, while five lakh will make the sandy areas across the river illuminated on the auspicious occasion.
Besides, attractive electric skirting will also be installed on the sand across the Ganga so that the sand areas can also be completely illuminated. The tourists will also be able to enjoy pollution-free green crackers on the sand across the Ganga.
Meanwhile, preparations including repair of damaged ghats and cleanliness are going on to make the festival a memorable one. Besides, thousands of diyas will also be lit on ponds and other water resources including the ghats of river Varuna. Due to the popularity of the festival, rush of booking hotels, guest houses, boats, cruises etc has already started being seen.