New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended warm greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasions of Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali, praying for the health, wealth and peace of everyone.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Heartiest greetings of Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepavali to all family members across the country. May this divine occasion, connected to Indian culture and spirituality, bring happiness, peace, health, and prosperity to everyone. May our sacred tradition associated with holy baths, charity, aarti, and worship illuminate everyone's life."

Devotees thronged Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar early Wednesday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River, a ritual believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity and wash away sins.

In Bihar, a massive traffic snarl was observed on Digha AIIMS Road in Patna early in the morning, following a large gathering of devotees at Ganga Ghat.

Meanwhile, in Odisha, devotees gathered at Puri's historic Narendra Pokhari to participate in the traditional Boit Vandana (boat festival) celebrations associated with Kartik Purnima.

The traditional Boit Vandana festival, celebrated with enthusiasm across Odisha, holds deep historical and cultural significance. On this day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds, and seashores to set afloat miniature boats made of banana stems, paper, and thermocol, symbolising the ancient maritime trade connections Odisha once had with Southeast Asian countries such as Java, Sumatra, and Bali.

Kartik Purnima, observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month, is regarded as one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. The day also marks the birth of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Across India, devotees celebrate the occasion with spiritual fervour, lighting lamps, decorating temples, and organising religious fairs.

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The festival paints a vibrant picture as devotees chant prayers and float illuminated miniature boats on the water's surface, creating a mesmerising spectacle.