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In a grand celebration leading up to Dev Deepawali, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) organized the first-ever Dilli Deepotsav at Vasudev Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna near Kashmere Gate
NEW DELHI: In a grand celebration leading up to Dev Deepawali, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) organized the first-ever Dilli Deepotsav at Vasudev Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna near Kashmere Gate. Illuminating the night with 3.5 lakh diyas, the event aimed to honour the upcoming festival of Dev Deepawali, as well as Guru Purab and the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. The ceremony, held Wednesday evening, was attended by dignitaries, with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena as the chief guest.
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Saxena emphasized the significance of the Yamuna River for the people of Delhi. He noted that Vasudev Ghat, once cluttered with garbage, has been transformed into a site of cultural pride and spirituality through dedicated efforts to restore the area.
“The Yamuna represents the identity of Delhi and we must keep it clean. Two years ago, this place was covered in waste, and today we are celebrating Deepotsav here,” he stated. Saxena expressed his hope for Dilli Deepotsav to gain popularity in future years, aspiring to light five lakh diyas in 2025 and to create an event as renowned as Ayodhya’s Deepotsav.
A captivating drone and laser show added a visual spectacle to the evening, drawing attendees from diverse backgrounds, including students, artists, and residents. A grand Ram Darbar installation was also set up in the ‘Baradari’ at Vasudev Ghat, further enriching the traditional and spiritual ambience of the event.
Vasudev Ghat, the first ghat restored by the DDA in Delhi, was inaugurated earlier in March. Spanning over 16 hectares, the ghat showcases India’s cultural heritage, with sculptures and artefacts from various regions across the country. The main ghat stretches 145 meters with 25 steps leading down to the river, surrounded by lush green gardens inspired by the Charbagh style, traditional to Mughal garden designs.
The DDA has also initiated a bi-weekly Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat, held every Sunday and Tuesday evening. This ritual is not only a tribute to the Yamuna but also part of a broader effort to raise awareness about river conservation and environmental responsibility among locals and visitors.
Dilli Deepotsav’s impressive diyas lighting, along with the drone show, provided a synchronized display of light, sound, and movement, creating a mesmerizing experience for visitors. The celebration aligns with similar festivals across India, notably the Deepotsav in Ayodhya, where millions of diyas are lit annually.
The DDA’s event this year at Vasudev Ghat marked a significant addition to Delhi’s cultural landscape, symbolizing both a reverence for India’s spiritual heritage and an ongoing commitment to the preservation and beautification of the Yamuna.
