Dev Deepawali festival Celebrated with cultural performances and lamp lighting ceremony at Namo Ghat

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, praised the transformation of Kashi, stating that the city has undergone remarkable changes in its appearance and identity over the past ten years. He highlighted that while the Ganga’s water was once considered unsafe even for bathing, efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Namami Gange project have now made it clean and safe enough for drinking.
The Chief Minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Namo Ghat on Friday in Varanasi. He extended his greetings on the occasion of the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He said, “It is my good fortune that I am witnessing this unique festival of Dev Deepawali.”
Speaking at a ceremony graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Chief Guest, he mentioned how the people of Kashi express their gratitude by affectionately referring to ‘Namo Ghat’ as ‘Narendra Modi Ghat.’
He praised the clean and beautiful ghats, the grandeur of Vishwanath Dham, well-developed four-lane and six-lane roads, excellent train connectivity, and the international airport, which have redefined Kashi’s identity.
Specifically emphasizing Namo Ghat, CM Yogi called it not just a ghat but a unique place. Once neglected and feared due to its darkness and filth, it has now been transformed into the city’s most beautiful and longest ghat. It has also hosted grand events like the G20 Summit and the Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
He further highlighted the massive increase in footfall at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. He shared that five years ago, only about 50 devotees could visit the temple at a time, but today, the number has risen to over 50,000 daily, reaching lakhs during special occasions. He lauded the global recognition of Kashi’s development and rich heritage.
While discussing Kashi’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, the CM emphasized that the people of Kashi have experienced both the city’s new look and the progress of a new India. “Kashi has gained a global identity as a unique blend of development and heritage, a change that has been witnessed firsthand by the residents”, he remarked.
CM Yogi mentioned the significant improvements in infrastructure and the completion of several major projects. He proudly highlighted that Kashi is home to the country’s first waterway to Haldia and shared that over 700 boats in Kashi now operate on CNG fuel, helping to reduce pollution.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the inauguration of Namo Ghat, which has greatly enhanced the celebrations of Dev Deepawali. Referring to Dev Deepawali as the “Deepawali of the Gods,” the CM acknowledged the global recognition this festival has received, thanks to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi.
Concluding his address, the CM wished that the festival of Dev Deepawali brings joy and prosperity to everyone’s life, while also invoking blessings from Baba Vishwanath for the well-being of all.
On this occasion, Vice President’s wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, State Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamps and Registration Ravindra Jaiswal, MLAs Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, MLCs Dharmendra Rai, Hansraj Vishwakarma, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Sunil Patel and other dignitaries were present.