Dev Diwali 2025: A Spectacular Confluence of Devotion, Light, and Faith

Guru Nanak Jayanti, the sacred day marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism and a great spiritual teacher — is being celebrated across the world with immense reverence. This holy occasion is not merely a festival, but a reminder of spiritual awakening, equality, compassion, and devotion. Across India and around the world, followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are paying homage through special kirtans, ardas (prayers), and seva (selfless service). Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings — “Ek Onkar” (There is one God), “Sab Mein Ek Hi Prabhu Hai” (God resides in everyone), and “Saccha Raho, Seva Karo” (Be truthful, serve humanity) — continue to illuminate the path of mankind. This sacred day inspires all of us to imbibe his teachings of unity, love, and devotion in our lives.

On this auspicious occasion, gurdwaras across the nation are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and lamps. The atmosphere resonates with devotion and service. From early morning, devotees engage in kirtan, ardas, and langar sewa, offering prayers to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Everywhere, the sacred chant “Satnam Shri Waheguru” fills the air with divine energy. (Dev Diwali 2025 celebration in India)

Prime Minister Extends Greetings

On the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Parv and Kartik Purnima–Dev Deepawali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation and described the Guru’s teachings as a guiding light for humanity. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “The life and message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue to guide humanity. His teachings, based on compassion, equality, humility, and service, are deeply inspiring. Heartfelt wishes on this Prakash Parv. May his divine light continue to illuminate our world.”

The Prime Minister also wished the people of India on Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali, writing, “Many congratulations to everyone on Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali. May this divine occasion, deeply rooted in Indian spirituality and culture, bring happiness, peace, health, and prosperity to all. May our sacred traditions of holy bath, charity, and worship light up everyone’s life.”

Celebrities Extend Festive Wishes

On this sacred day, several celebrities from the entertainment world extended greetings on Guru Nanak Jayanti. From Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh to Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher, many shared messages of peace, unity, and devotion on social media.

Akshay Kumar shared a picture of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his Instagram story with the caption, “Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti!”

Kareena Kapoor Khan posted a beautiful image on her Instagram, spreading positivity among her followers along with a heart and folded-hands emoji.

Diljit Dosanjh, the popular Punjabi singer-actor, shared an emotional message celebrating unity and peace. He wrote, “The unity of hearts says that all four directions are my family. I bow to every particle; I greet each with respect. Heartfelt wishes on Guruparv!”
Shilpa Shetty wrote “Shubh Gurupurab” in her Instagram story, extending her greetings to fans.
Anupam Kher shared a video of himself in a Sikh look from one of his films, writing, “Wishing everyone a very Happy Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti!”

The flame of devotion also shone in Sonbhadra

A similar scene is being witnessed in Ghorawal town of Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, where Dev Diwali is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. This time, the Dashmihwa and Thanhawa ponds have been decorated with 5,100 lamps. Ganga Aarti and Shiv Bhasma Aarti will be held from 8 pm onwards. Following this, artists will perform the Shiva Tandava dance and mythological tableaux, including the Shiva-Parvati marriage, Mahishasura Vadh, and Hanuman Leela. Mahaprasad will be distributed at the end of the program. (Dev Diwali festival Varanasi ghats)

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The Legend of Dev Diwali

According to mythology, there's an interesting story behind Dev Diwali, which is why this day is also known as Tripurari Purnima. So let's learn about the legend of Dev Diwali...
According to the legend recounted in the Shiva Purana, a demon named Tripurasura was extremely powerful. It is said that the demon Tarakasura had three sons: Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmali. Together, these three sons formed the Tripurasura demon. Their extraordinary power and arrogance posed a threat to the gods. When Lord Kartikeya killed Tarakasura, his three sons, driven by austerities in the fire of vengeance, appeased Lord Brahma. Brahma asked them to ask for any boon, except immortality. They cleverly asked for a boon that was almost as good as immortality. They demanded that their deaths be possible only when all three were in a single line, during the Abhilit Nakshatra, and someone could kill them with a single arrow. Lord Brahma accepted this boon. After this, Tripurasura created terror in all three worlds – gods, sages and humans were all afflicted by his atrocities. (Dev Diwali lights and lamps celebration)

When the atrocities reached their peak, the gods sought refuge in Lord Shiva. Mahadev resolved to destroy Tripurasura. He made the earth his chariot, the sun and moon its wheels, Mount Meru his bow, and the serpent Vasuki his bowstring. Lord Vishnu himself became the arrow. As the time of Abhijit Nakshatra arrived, Lord Shiva killed all three Tripurasuras—Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmali—with a single arrow. It is said that after this victory, the gods celebrated by lighting lamps, and since then, the tradition of celebrating 'Dev Deepawali' on the full moon day of Kartika began. This festival symbolizes the victory of light when Lord Shiva vanquished both darkness and ego. 

Association with Kartik Purnima

Along with Diwali, Kartik Purnima is also celebrated. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Tulsi, and Lord Shiva on this day. Bathing, donating, and lighting lamps are considered the greatest virtuous acts on this day.

The confluence of light and devotion

Dev Diwali is not just a festival, but an opportunity to enlighten the soul. It reminds us that the true light is one that dispels the darkness within and spreads light into the lives of others. (Dev Diwali bhakti and devotion)

The glittering streets of Kashi, the lamps floating on the Ganga and the echo of Aarti – the scene of Dev Diwali is truly as if the gods have descended on earth.

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FAQs

Question 1. When is Dev Diwali celebrated?

Answer: Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik month, which falls about 15 days after Diwali.

Question 2. What is the significance of Dev Diwali?

Answer: This festival is celebrated with the worship of Lord Shiva and other deities and is considered a symbol of devotion through lighting lamps on the banks of the Ganga, singing hymns and performing religious rituals.

Question 3. Where is Dev Diwali mainly celebrated?

Answer: It is mainly celebrated in Varanasi and other major religious places, where thousands of lamps are lit on the banks of the Ganges.

Question 4. What customs are followed on this day?

Answer: On this day people light lamps, worship in temples, sing hymns and participate in religious rituals.

Question 5. What is the spiritual message of Dev Diwali?

Answer: This festival symbolizes devotion, faith, light and positive energy and promotes unity, social harmony and spiritual awareness in the society.