In Uttar Pradesh, Dev Deepawali was celebrated today at the ghats of Major Rivers on the occasion of Kartik Purnima at Varanasi. 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated Namo Ghat in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Varanasi. After this, Dev Deepawali started with the lighting of 11 lakh lamps on the 84 ghats Ganga Aarti, a laser show and green fireworks. More than 17 lakh earthen lamps were lit in the whole of Varanasi city this evening.

Namo Ghat is also known as Varanasi’s first model ghat. This ghat stretches from Namo Ghat to Adikeshav Ghat, covering about 1.5 kilometers. The unique “Namaste” sculpture and international-standard facilities are drawing tourists to this new destination. This ghat, which can be accessed by water, land, and even air, is the first in Varanasi where helicopters can land. It also includes a floating CNG station, an open-air theatre, pools, a floating jetty with bathing areas, and changing rooms.

Addressing the function on that occasion, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that social harmony is essential for a strong nation. He said that India is the foundation of social harmony and gives a great message to the world. In his address, he emphasized on using local products and stressed on Swadeshi.

Addressing the program earlier, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that there has been a lot of change in the holy city Kashi due to various schemes of the central government.

Chief Minister of State Yogi Adityanath also said that development is the new identity of Varanasi. Dev Deepawali festival was organised at the banks of other rivers and at the famous temples in the state.

Ghats on the banks of Mandakini in Chitrakoot district also witnessed spectacular Dev Deepawali Mahotsav.