Large crowds gathered on the banks of the Ganges river in in Varanasi on Monday 27 November for the Hindu festivals of Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali.

Kartik Purnima is the full moon day of what the Hindu calendar regards as the eighth lunar month.

Dev Deepawali (also known as Dev Diwali), the Diwali festival of the Gods, falls on the 15th lunar day of the Hindu month of Kartik. The day is particularly well-celebrated in Varanasi and Bhojpuri-speaking parts of Uttar Pradesh.

In Varanasi (ancient name: Kashi) large crowds gathered on the riverside and lit lamps.

Some also chanted and bathed in the holy river -- actions said to confer the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi Narayan.

Locals report that the atmosphere of the city is different at this time of year, with decorations hanging everywhere.

Dev Diwali is celebrated exactly 15 days after Diwali. There is a mythological belief that on the day of Diwali, the gods descend on the holy land of Kashi and celebrate Diwali. Mainly Dev Diwali is celebrated on the banks of river Ganga in Kashi. Bathing in the holy river on this day is considered of great importance. In the city of Kashi, a different kind of joy can be seen on Dev Diwali. Decorations are made everywhere and earthen lamps are lit everywhere on the Ganga Ghat. Lighting of lamps, chanting, donation and bathing have special significance on this day. By doing this the person gets the blessings of Lakshmi Narayan.