Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India with dazzling lights, decorations, and joyous festivities that bring life to cities, towns, and villages. As one of the most significant festivals in India, Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, and each region has its own unique traditions and celebrations. If you want to see and experience Diwali in India, here are some of the best places where this festival is transformed into a beautiful and memorable celebration of light, color, and joy.
Varanasi – The Spiritual Glow on the Ghats of the Ganges
Varanasi is the location that best embodies the spiritual atmosphere of Diwali. Varanasi’s Diwali celebrations, which are well-known for its captivating Ganga Aarti, combine devotion with breathtaking spectacle. As people congregate on the ghats during Diwali, thousands of diyas (oil lamps) float on the Ganges, making for a beautiful sight. “Dev Deepawali,” a special custom that takes place two weeks after the traditional Diwali day, is how the festival is celebrated here.
Highlights include boat excursions beneath the ghats, firecrackers lighting up the night sky, Ganga Aarti, and Dev Deepawali festivities.
Jaipur – A Royal Celebration in the Pink City
The Pink City, Jaipur, celebrates Diwali in unique splendor. The whole city shimmers as the streets, marketplaces, and castles are decked out in sparkling lights. Local stores vie for the title of best-decorated market, and the well-known Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and other major markets are lavishly decked. The Diwali Mela (fair) in Jaipur is a wonderful place to take in the local cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural acts in addition to the sparkling lights and exquisite Rajasthani decorations.
Highlights include shopping for traditional jewelry and handicrafts, the Diwali Mela, decorated markets, and light shows at historical locations like Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort.
Amritsar – Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple
The Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas, which honors Guru Hargobind Ji’s return to Amritsar, coincides with Diwali in Amritsar. Fireworks bounce off the golden domes, creating an ethereal picture as thousands of lights and diyas illuminate the Golden Temple. An unique Diwali experience is created in this holy city by the temple’s glistening brilliance and the serene ambiance of prayer and devotion.
Highlights include the Golden Temple’s breathtaking illumination, the lights reflecting on the sacred pond, and the celebrations of Bandi Chhor Divas.
Kolkata – A Blend of Diwali and Kali Puja
Diwali is observed in Kolkata alongside Kali Puja, a festival honoring the goddess Kali. Diwali in Kolkata has a distinct atmosphere because of this blending of customs. The temples in the city, particularly the Kalighat Temple and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, are illuminated and draw a lot of worshippers. The streets are filled with lights, fireworks, and cultural festivities as elaborate pandals (temporary shrines) are erected with beautiful representations of Kali.
Highlights include colorful street festivals, lit temples, Kali Puja pandals, and cultural events.
Ayodhya – The Mythical Birthplace of Diwali
With an annual lavish celebration, Ayodhya, which is thought to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, has made Diwali its defining holiday. This event, called “Deepotsav,” holds the record for lighting the most diyas and is listed in the Guinness World Records. Both pilgrims and tourists will find this to be a magical event as the entire city is illuminated by millions of lamps as processions act out scenes from the Ramayana.
Highlights include the breathtaking view of Ayodhya in the sunset, processions with a Ramayana theme, and Deepotsav with millions of diyas.
Delhi – A Vibrant Mix of Modern and Traditional Diwali
Diwali offers an intriguing fusion of traditional and modern festivities in the capital of India. While Delhi’s famous landmarks shine in a Diwali makeover, markets like Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, and Sarojini Nagar are decked out in vibrant lights. The celebration is made much more joyous by the cultural festivities that take place all throughout Delhi, such as traditional dance and song performances. Visit the Diwali Melas, which are spread around the city, for a unique experience. There, you may eat, buy handicrafts, and take in the joyous atmosphere.
Highlights include illuminated markets, traditional Diwali Melas, and the allure of both old and new Delhi.
Udaipur – Diwali by the Lake
Udaipur, which is well-known for its royal past, is made even more charming around Diwali. The City of Lakes is exquisitely lit, and its surreal charm is enhanced by the lights’ reflection on the water. Diwali is celebrated by the locals with fireworks along the lake, and the City Palace is illuminated, giving it the perfect place to enjoy the celebration in a royal style. You may witness the city in all its festive splendour around Diwali by taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Highlights include the illuminated City Palace, the reflections of lights on Lake Pichola, and the celebrations of Diwali at historical places.
Mumbai – Diwali with a Coastal Twist
The Diwali celebrations in Mumbai have that great blend of old along with the energy of the fast city. They could range from the beautifully illuminated Marine Drive, seemingly looking like a necklace made of pearls, to local and simple in Dadar or Bandra or just anywhere else. It’s quite Diwali all through, though–people lighting up their houses, offices, and as if to be complemented, the landmarks–and it’s almost perfectly done in terms of illumination and celebration.
Highlights: Marine Drive’s “Queen’s Necklace” sparkling with lights, decorated fairs, and coastal road festivals.
Joining a celebration with profound cultural and spiritual significance is more important than simply taking in the lights and fireworks at Diwali in India. Every location gives a different take on this festival, whether you are celebrating with the people of Jaipur, seeing the Golden Temple in Amritsar, or seeing the diyas float on the Ganges in Varanasi. Thus, light a lamp, indulge in the treats, and experience the enchantment of Diwali in these lively Indian locales!
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