Celebrating Dev Diwali: A festival of lights, devotion, and renewal

Kartik Purnima as the name epitomises is a significant festival celebrated on the full moon day (purnima) in the month of Kartik (October-November). This auspicious day holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, marking the culmination of various observances and symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

This year, on 27 November, the festival was marked by different rites; with devotees engaging in prayers, rituals, and charity since it is believed that purnima cleanses one of the sins and grants salvation.

Devotees on this day light lamps and candles in their homes, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and the triumph of light along with taking a holy dip in sacred rivers before sunrise, particularly in the Ganges. Special prayers are offered to seek the blessings of deities. The recitation of scriptures, singing hymns, and participating in spiritual discourses are common practices during this festival.

Many well-known mythological legends are associated with this day. One of the prominent tales narrates the victory of Lord Shiv over the demon Tripurasura. According to mythology, the demon built three impregnable cities in space and tormented the Gods. Lord Shiv, in his cosmic form as Tripurantaka, destroyed the cities with a single arrow on Kartik Purnima, hence the festival’s alternate name, Tripuri Purnima.

Another tale connects Kartik Purnima to the divine marriage of Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Matsya (the fish), and the Goddess Kritika. People believe that observing rituals and prayers on this day can bring blessings, prosperity, and spiritual elevation.

This festival also symbolises an ancient traditional bequest across the country where the day is celebrated in a unique style along with varied fervour.

In some regions, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the birthday of Vrinda, the personification of the tulsi (Basil). People offer prayers to the plant, considering it sacred and auspicious. Lighting lamps around the plant are believed to invite positive energy and good fortune.

The day is celebrated with grand processions, music, and dance performances. Traditional folk dances, such as the RasLila in North India, depict the divine love stories of Lord Krishna and the gopis and are performed with great enthusiasm during this time.

Often referred to as Dev Diwali, Kartik Purnima falls exactly 15 days after Diwali. Houses are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights, creating a mesmerising display of brightness and colour. The symbolism of light extends beyond the physical realm, signifying the dispelling of ignorance and the awakening of spiritual consciousness.

Kartik Purnima is a festival that beautifully blends zeal with cultural celebrations. It serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and the importance of spiritual devotion. As families come together to celebrate and communities engage in acts of piety, Kartik Purnima continues to be a beacon of hope and renewal, spreading joy and positive energy among those who partake in its festivities.