Diwali (13th Nov 2012) or Dev Deepavali (28th Nov 2012)???

Yeah, I'm planning a to go India in Nov/Dec this year

There are two huge festivals: Diwali round 13th Nov which is celebrated in whole India and Dev Deepavali round 28th November that is special to Varanasi.
Which of the two would be the more enjoyable and authentic one to be in Varanasi?
So is it a better idea to go there for Diwali or Dev Deepavali?
Has anybody seen both and can share the experience?
I wonder if Diwali is not celebrated that intense because in Varanasi they have their Dev Deepavali ...???
As you have a hint for a nice central budget accomodation with a rooftop location next to the Ganges would be fine to know about

Cheers, Bertram

Both the festivals are celebrated in Varanasi but you would get more festivities on the occasion of Dev Deepavali, especially on ghats (river banks) and especially if you love Indian classical music!

All the ghats are decorated with the earthen lamps and there are musical recitals on the bank of River Ganges.

Hi Praakant,

thanx for your quick reply; never thought it was that easy to find first hands experience .
What you say was somehow what I felt about it.
I would really enjoy a lot traditional music.
Do have an advice where to spend Diwali enroute from Delhi to Kolkata?

Diwali is celebrated all over India, though, in South India you would not find that much of pomp & show!

So, you may select any of the city and you would love it!

Dev Deepavali is the major festival of Varanasi, during this festival so many musicians comes to Varanasi to perform themselves and its really enjoyable to watch them from the steps of the river.

I didn't know about Dev Deepavali, silly me. But this is awesome news as it just so happens I'll be in Varanasi on the 28th.

Hey,

just some time since I wrote last, but I needed some time to plan the trip ... and of course book a flight
Unfortunately I will miss Diwali at all but I think I will visit India after this journey again (so thanks again Prakaant).

Is there a location where celebrations of Dev Deepavali are concentrated? As far as I know there are two main areas of ghats Dashashwamedh ghat and Assi ghat. Is one of them preferable particularly on Dev Depavali?

@spud: Nevermind, even almost none of the guidebooks 'knows' about it. Which can prove to be best

...

A large number of Hindu devotees start assembling from the day of the Prabodhini Ekadasi (the eleventh day of the fortnight) itself. The official celebration is usually held on the Dasaswamedh Ghat. On the occasion of the Ganga Mahotsava, reputed artists and performers from all over the country come and perform, making the celebrations more eventful.

On the eve of Kartik Purnima, the number of pilgrims begins to increase manifolds and most of the pilgrims camp by the riverside. In the evening, pilgrims and local people decorate the entire riverbank with tiny earthen lamps ('Diya'). These lamps are lit as a mark of welcome to the Gods as they descend on earth. The little sparks of fire flicker elegantly and is a wonderful sight to watch. The 'Ganga-Aarti' is an important event in the evening. Almost all Ghats organize their own ceremony. Huge lamps are set ablaze and the priest holds forth the lamp as the multitude chants the hymns.

Source