PM Modi may light first lamp on Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

VARANASI: The world-famous Dev Deepawali may witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi lighting the first earthen lamp at Rajghat in Varanasi to start illumination of all 80 ghats with over 10 lakh lamps on November 30.
Modi will not only be witness to the beauty of the illuminated ghats of Kashi, but is likely to also take stock of the progress in Kashi Vishwanath Dham (Corridor) project and enjoy the sound and light show before leaving the city after a six-hour stay.
Talking to TOI on Monday, district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said, “We have received initial intimation regarding possible visit of the PM on the occasion of Dev Deepawali ,after which finalization of events in which he will participate,and other preparations have been started accordingly.”
“As per the proposal being prepared for the PM’s participation, the tourism department will host a function where he will light the first lamp of Dev Deepawali at Rajghat to mark the beginning of the festival which is observed on the day of Kartik Purnima. It will be followed by cultural events at the same venue for about 45 minutes. After earthen lamps are lighted at all the ghats, the PM will take a boat ride to view the beauty of illuminating ghats along the river Ganga,” he informed TOI.