Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for Dev Deepawali 2025, which will be celebrated in Varanasi on November 5. The Chief Minister emphasized that this festival is a powerful reflection of Kashi’s eternal traditions and India’s cultural and spiritual soul, marking it as a global message of devotion, discipline, and national pride.
During a high-level meeting, CM Yogi directed authorities to ensure that every aspect of the celebration—ranging from lighting and decorations to safety measures—embodies the essence of Kashi’s divine grandeur and cultural significance.
Festival Highlights: Dev Deepawali and Ganga Mahotsav
Dev Deepawali, celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik month, holds deep significance for the people of Kashi. This year, the festival will be preceded by the Ganga Mahotsav, scheduled from November 1 to November 4, and will culminate in the grand Dev Deepawali celebrations on November 5.
CM Yogi described the festival as a unique confluence of Kashi’s ancient traditions, the worship of the Ganga, and the collective faith of millions. He instructed that the event be an epitome of India’s timeless heritage, with lights symbolizing not just illumination, but also religion, duty, and national spirit.
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Focus on Safety, Cleanliness, and Crowd Management
Emphasizing safety and public comfort, CM Yogi highlighted the need for meticulous planning in crowd control, safety protocols, and cleanliness at the ghats. He directed that key safety measures, including smart lighting, theme-based installations, and drone surveillance, be implemented at all major ghats. The Chief Minister stressed that there should be no compromise on cleanliness and decor, particularly around the ghats, alleys, and primary routes that lead to them.
Officials from various departments, including Tourism, Police, Health, PWD, and Municipal Corporation, have been tasked with ensuring that all facilities, such as toilets, drinking water stations, medical aid, and control rooms, are available 24×7 for the convenience of devotees.
Innovative Features for Dev Deepawali Celebrations
One of the major attractions of the celebrations will be a 25-minute projection mapping and laser show at Chet Singh Ghat, to be held three times daily. Sand art installations will also be set up between Kashi Vishwanath Ghat and Chet Singh Ghat, creating a visually stunning experience for visitors. Furthermore, a 10-minute green fireworks display, along with laser and musical performances, will be staged in front of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Ghat.
The Chief Minister specifically acknowledged the integral role of boatmen in the Dev Deepawali celebrations. To ensure their safety and enhance the festival’s grandeur, he ordered that life jackets and other necessary safety equipment be provided to boatmen. He also instructed that boatmen be provided with proper training and route details.
“Clean Kashi, Green Kashi, Divine Kashi”
In line with his vision for a cleaner, greener, and divinely organized Kashi, CM Yogi reiterated his commitment to the motto “Clean Kashi, Green Kashi, Divine Kashi.” He called for the complete cleaning and beautification of all ghats, streets, and public spaces, ensuring a seamless experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock to Varanasi during the festival.
Special attention will be given to traffic management, parking, barricading, shuttle services, and medical facilities to prevent any congestion or disorder during the festival. A robust command center will monitor the CCTV feeds from all major ghats and public spaces around the clock to ensure safety and security.
Cultural Programs and Public Participation
CM Yogi also emphasized the importance of cultural programs during Dev Deepawali, urging the active participation of local artists, schools, women’s organizations, and religious groups. He noted that these programs should reflect the spirit of cooperation, social harmony, and national pride, with a focus on both traditional and contemporary cultural expressions.
The Chief Minister’s vision for Dev Deepawali goes beyond just a religious celebration. He called for it to be a symbol of public cooperation and a living expression of India’s spiritual and cultural strength. Visitors, he emphasized, should feel the sanctity, orderliness, and discipline that define the spirit of Kashi and experience India’s age-old hospitality through the phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
A Festival of Global Significance
Concluding the review, CM Yogi reiterated that the preparations for Dev Deepawali should reflect the global stature of Kashi, a city that has long been a center of spirituality and culture. He expressed confidence that the meticulous planning and collective efforts would make Dev Deepawali 2025 a grand success and a memorable experience for devotees and visitors alike.
