PM Narendra Modi attends Dev Deepawali Mahotsav in Varanasi, lights up 'diya' at Raj Ghat: In pics

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (November 30) arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi and attended the Dev Deepawali Mahotsav, besides dedicating to the nation the widened Handia-Rajatalab section of National Highway 19.

 

PM Modi lit the customary first diya at the Raj Ghat and launched the Dev Deepawali Mahotsav. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adiyanath for the ceremony. 

PM Modi lit an earthen lamp at Raj Ghat in Varanasi to mark the beginning of the celebrations that are held on every 'poornima' of the Hindu month of Kartik. 

 

 

Addressing the event, PM Modi said it was another special occasion for Kashi as the idol of Mata Annapurna that was stolen from Kashi more than 100 years ago, is now coming back again.

 

"It is a matter of great fortune for Kashi. These ancient idols of our gods and goddesses are a symbol of our faith as well as our priceless heritage," said PM Modi.

PM Modi also offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and visited the site of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project.

Ghats of Varanasi were decorated in view of PM Narendra Modi's visit.

 

On the occasion of Dev Deepawali, the lighting of lamps and cultural programmes were reportedly organised at 15 Ghats of Ganga river.

Some 15 lakh 'diyas' were reportedly lit up on the ghats of Ganga to mark the beginning of celebrations.

 

 

Classical dancers also performed during the occasion and a laser show was also organised.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the widened Handia-Rajatalab section of National Highway 19.

 

The 73-kilometre stretch of the newly-widened and six-lane NH-19, build with a total outlay of Rs 2,447 crore, is expected to reduce the travel time between Prayagraj and Varanasi by an hour.