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Dev- Dipavali in Varanasi
celebrated on the occasion of Karttik Purnima is a festival of
luminosity, radiance, enlightenment, of the victory of good over
satanic forces, of peace over war and of spiritual bliss over
worldly desires, of moving from darkness to enlightenment and to
us a salute to Courage and Gallantry dedicated to Nation. GSN is
an initiator and organizer of world famous Dev-Dipavali Mahotsava
with a blend of 'Spiritualism and Nationalism' at Dashashwamedh
ghat, witnessed by lacs of people of Varanasi and tourists from
all across the world.
Today the Ganga, a divine
gift to mortals, needs revival of its ancient lustre, purity and
dignity in human mind and action in accordance. Since times
immemorial, the ever flowing divine stream Ganga, in yester years,
has become a man-made dross going forward towards the verge of
extinction due to human negligence and lack of awareness. If
serious and immediate steps are not taken the situation might
worsen.
Dev-Dipavali has a
mythological legend that the first ruler of Kashi, Debodasa, being
annoyed with the gods and goddesses, banned their entry into
Banaras. The gods and goddesses, however in disguise, entered
Banaras for a holy dip at Panchaganga ghat where four rivers
confluence with the Ganga. After persuasion, Debodasa withdrew the
ban and the gods and goddesses came to Banaras to celebrate their
victory with lights on Karttika Purnima. Since then in
commemoration Dev-Dipavali festival is celebrated every year.
According to another
interpretation the gods observed victory day on Karttika Purnima
to celebrate the killing of demon Tripurasur by Lord Shiva.
DEV-DIPAVALI as
celebrated by GSN, every year on Karttik Purnima (Oct./Nov.), is
a wonderful blend of Spiritualism and Nationalism and is observed
singularly by GSN as Martyrs Commemoration day to immortalize our
gallant soldiers who attained Martyrdom while safeguarding our
Motherland. Defence forces with the active support of GSN, blow
last post to the Martyrs of the Nation and Helicopter of HQ
Central Air Command, Allahabad drops flower petals at the Replica
of India Gate at Dashashwmedh Ghat, the central ghat of the doyen
city Varanasi. On this day, GSN honours the brave Martyrs with "Bhagiratha
Shourya Samman".The indispensable assistance of HQ Central Air
Command, Allahabad, HQ Central Command, Lucknow, 39 G.T.C Varanasi,
4 Air Force Selection Board Varanasi, 7 UP Naval NCC, B.H.U.,
Varanasi, 95 Battalion CRPF, Varanasi & Units of Police Forces of
Varanasi have been inspirational in the fulfillment of this noble
cause. This pious gesture is followed by Divine Ganga Maha Aarti
and festival of music.The function of Dev-Dipavali begins with
lighting of Aakash Deeps – on the first evening of Karttik month.
Aakash Deep is a Glittering Tribute to Martyrs of the Nation who
made supreme sacrifice for our beloved mother land. GSN is
immensely contributing to save the cultural heritage of India and
to promote the Spiritual, Cultural and Eco-tourism in Varanasi
through its various socio-cultural and environmental activities
round the year.
Daily Ganga Aarti
initiated and conducted by GSN is appreciated world over and has
become a part of 'Incredible India' posters released by Culture
and Tourism Department of Government of India.
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