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Dev Diwali
This is a day during the full moon day in Kartik. This day brings in the festival of Dev Diwali. On this day, lamps are lit under the moonlit sky. The whole family has a feast and this also marks the end of the Diwali fortnight.
For Hindus, this also brings the celebration of the Matsya or fish incarnation of Vishnu. It is being said in the Puranas that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a gigantic fish to save Manu. Manu was the progenitor of the human race. Manu saved all species of animals, birds, reptiles and insects from extinction. He is also called the father of the human race. Jains celebrate Dev Diwali too. This is in memory of the final liberation of Mahavira. He was the great Tirthankara. People celebrate thus by lighting lamps at midnight and reciting scriptures. This festival is also called Tripurari Purnima. This happens on Kartik sud 15 - Purnima.
Origin of Dev Diwali
After leaving king Bali, the Lord rejoined the devas on this day and the devas celebrated His arrival. Thus Dev Diwali came into being.
The 7th Skandh of the Shrimad Bhagwat cites a story which says that with the help of Tarak and Vidyunmaali, a demon which was called as Muy daanav constructed three aerial 'purs' – cities. This was gold, silver and iron and was given a way to the demons. With these three cities, the demons flew wherever they wished. But they ended up in destroying the places where they landed. The devas got worried and approached Lord Shiv for help. It is also said that Narad instigated the 3 demons to destroy Kailas which was the place of Lord Shiva. Shiv for angry and destroyed the three purs. After this Dev Diwali was celebrated.
Though the devas celebrated the Lord's return, people today celebrate Dev Diwali and this is done by removing our inner demons. These include ego, anger, greed, lust, etc. This leads to divinity within us.
Rituals of Diwali
In the 12th century, Nimbark Acharya who came out with Dwaitadvait philosophy and Sanak Sampraday was born on day when this festival is celebrated. He was the first person to consecrate Radha's murti with Shri Krishna in the temple. He joined the principle of dual worship of Bhakta and Bhagvan. He has become an ideal devotee like Radha in order to worship Krishna.
About 150 years back, Shrimad Rajchandra was born on this day. He was born in Vavania which is in Saurashtra. Apart from that, the marriage of Tulsi, Rukmani in a former birth, is celebrated on this day with the Lord.