Dev Diwali 15th November 2024

1. Tithi : Margashirsha Shukla Pratipada (First day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha)

2. Importance : Besides the Kuladev (Male Family Deity), Kuladevi (Female Family Deity) and Ishtadevata (Benevolent Deity), other Deities also need to be worshipped on some day during the year and Naivedya be offered to them, which is done on this day.

3. Puja : Along with the Kuladevata and Ishtadevata, on this day the Sthandevata (Deity of the place), Vastudevata (Deity of the premises), Gramdevata (Village Deity) and other main and subordinate Deities in the village, inferior Deities such as Mahapurush, Vetoba, etc. are worshipped and bestowed with honour due to them. On the Dev Diwali, Deities are offered Mahanaivedya of at least five delicacies.

(Reference : Sanatan’s Text – ‘Holy festivals, Religious festivals and Vowed religious observances’)

Some other sources say

Dev Deepawali literally means ‘the Diwali of the Gods’. According to some Hindu Scriptures, Lord Shiva killed a demon named Tripurasur on this day. Therefore, the festival, Dev Deepawali, is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Shiva over the devil.

Apart from this, the festival also marks the birth anniversary of Lord Kartik, son of Shiva. This celebration marks the end of the Tulsi Vivaha ritual and signifies the end of the Diwali celebrations.

What is ‘Subtle’ : The gross (physical) aspects of an individual are the five sense organs – The nose, ears, eyes, tongue and skin. These five senses, beyond the mind and intellect, are ‘subtle’. These ‘subtle’ sensations are felt by some people who have advanced in their spiritual practice. Various Scriptures contain references to subtle knowledge and the subtle dimension.