Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light, is a five-day Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of light over darkness as well as goodness over evil. Almost all of India celebrates this occasion, which is one of the biggest of the year, with presents, lanterns, candles, and mouthwatering desserts.
The top 9 locations in India to celebrate Diwali are listed in this article, along with information on how the festival is observed locally.
1. Varanasi
One of the holiest places in India, Varanasi, celebrates Diwali with an endless display of firecrackers and fireworks on the festival’s main day, which lasts all night. The entire city is illuminated with clay lanterns, or diyas, that line the streets and the stairs close to the Ganges River during the five days of festivities.
An additional feature of Diwali in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti, a nightly Hindu rite performed on the Ganges. Throughout the festival, you may witness people lighting little diyas and setting them on the river lined with lanterns. The days provide a stunning display of light triumphing over darkness as they float the entire length of the river.
2. Jaipur
On Diwali, Jaipur is especially lovely. The pink sandstone walls of the city sparkle in a rainbow of hues as the streets, houses, and marketplaces are illuminated. With street food and Diwali shoppers, Jaipur’s markets are a terrific location to be over the holidays. Enjoying the vibrant lights and folk music in the Johari Bazaar is highly recommended.
Because of its high perch and view of the city below, the Nahargarh Fort is an excellent venue for the festivities. The landmark is a fantastic location to watch the festival fireworks and provides the best views of the Diwali decorations that light up the city.
In Jaipur, a lot of heritage hotels host Diwali celebrations for its visitors. Lighting diyas and seeing the customs of the event are common aspects of celebrations.
3. Kolkata
On Diwali, while much of India worships the goddess Lakshmi, Kolkata celebrates the major day of celebrations by worshipping Kali, the goddess of destruction. At this event, many devotees flock to the city’s Kali temples, including Dakshineswar, Belur Math, and Kalighat.
Exquisitely adorned statues of the formidable deity Kali are also on exhibit for public viewing throughout the city.
Many people believe the goddess Kali is malevolent or bad when they first encounter her, but in actuality, people revere her for her power to shatter the ego and its associated illusions.
4. Jaipur
During Diwali, the lovely and royal city of Udaipur seems even more magnificent. The city is crowded with palaces, marketplaces, and temples decorated with bright string lights and decorations during the occasion. Enjoy the view and reflection of the city’s brilliant lights, palaces, and fireworks from the tranquil Lake Pichola.
You can watch the pujas or rituals at one of the city’s many stunning temples if the religious parts of Diwali interest you. Many Hindus will go to the Mahalaxmi Temple during this festival to honor Lakshmi and offer prayers for good fortune and prosperity in the upcoming year.
The Udaipur Light Festival, which takes place at the Shouryagarh Resort & Spa just outside of the city, is another option for tourists.
The festival includes art installations, food vendors, engaging activities, performances by a variety of singers and DJs from different genres, and paper lanterns.
5. Amritsar
Diwali falls on the same day as the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas in Amritsar. On this day in history, the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, who was wrongfully imprisoned for his views and many other political prisoners he helped release, returns from prison.
Large feasts, gift-giving, family togetherness, and light decorating of Sikh temples and residences are all part of the celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas.
Since Amritsar is home to the renowned Golden Temple, it is a significant destination in Sikhism. The Golden Temple is stunning during Diwali when it is covered in lights and encircled by innumerable oil lamps and candles. Additionally, you can take in the captivating show of fireworks as they explode over the temple.
6. Goa
The main festival of Diwali in Goa is to recall Lord Krishna’s defeat of the monster Narakasura. On Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali, contests are held throughout the state to determine who can create the largest and scariest demon sculpture, which is subsequently set ablaze at dawn.
Gambling has become a big part of the Diwali celebrations in Goa since the festival is seen as a good opportunity to spend money.
The best casinos in Goa, including Deltin Royale, Big Daddy Casino, and Casino Pride, may be worth a visit for tourists. For the floating casinos, which are highly popular during Diwali, make sure to make reservations in advance.
7. Maysore
For those seeking the milder climate of South India during Diwali, the ancient city of Mysore is also a terrific spot to stay. The Mysore Palace, the city’s primary draw and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is exquisitely illuminated throughout the Christmas season and draws thousands of tourists each year.
Sky lanterns are beginning to take the place of traditional firecrackers in cities to lessen air and sound pollution. All ages are welcome to take part in the celebration, which offers lanterns in various sizes and forms that can be launched into the night sky on Diwali.
8. Madurai
One of the most well-known locations in the city to visit during Diwali is the Meenakshi Temple. This vibrant temple is illuminated by yellow lights and embellished with elaborately crafted rangoli or Indian motifs composed of colored rice and flower petals that are spread around the floor.
During this festival, shopping is another well-liked activity in the city. Vengala Kadai Street and South Masi Street are excellent places to visit for handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and traditional clothing. The markets come alive on Diwali as people go out to enjoy themselves and purchase gifts.
9. Delhi
Discovering the unique Diwali markets and fairs that happen all across the city is one of the main reasons to travel to Delhi for the holiday. The most well-known holiday market is the Diwali Bazaar in Dilli Haat, where you can purchase handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, purses, floating candles, and diyas.
Check out the yearly Dastkar Festival of Lights Diwali Mela if you’re interested in odd or unique handicrafts. Head to Matka Market in south Delhi for an incredible selection of colorful clay diyas, lanterns, candles, and religious objects for all your Diwali decorating needs.
In addition to exploring markets, Diwali celebrations in Delhi include a plethora of other activities like festivals, strolling through illuminated streets, and indulging in some of the city’s well-known street cuisine and desserts.
Diwali is not something that you and we can describe in words and we suggest you experience it yourself by travelling to different cities and exploring different cultures will be the best experience for you so far.
Hence, we tried to make a list of the best cities with different cultures and beliefs of Diwali but with the same faith in humanity.
