The most joyful and spectacular Indian festival is on its way. A festival full of fun, frolic, and fervor; a house full of gleaming diyas and festive lights; the sky full of dazzling fireworks; a mouth full of sweets; and a heart full of joy. It’s Diwali!!! It’s a delightful season to sparkle and celebrate.
Diwali is celebrated by everyone not just in India but also across the world, regardless of religion. Itcommemorates the victory of good over evil or the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali celebrations in India are grand and spectacular and are worth being a part of.
Most people celebrate Diwali to mark the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his turbulent 14-year exile and win the battle against the demon king Ravana, while people in South India celebrate Diwali to mark Lord Krishna’s slaying of the demon Narakasura. Though the celebrations vary from one region to another, the theme of Diwali remains the same everywhere. Spread over five days, the vibrant ‘Festival of Lights‘, Diwali, falls on October 24, Monday, this year.
Wondering where to celebrate Diwali this year?
If you are planning to celebrate Diwali in India, we have come up with the Best Places to Visit In India During Diwali to help you get started.
Ayodhya:
To feel the real splendour and grandeur of the Diwali Festival, you must visit the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The glowing lamps and lights make the city look stunning and welcoming. The Maha Aarti at the ghats of the Sarayu River, Shobha Yatra, Ramlila Performances, and the light-and-sound fireworks make for the grand Diwali celebrations at Ayodhya, which will be a spectacular treat for you. Above all, it will be an amazing feeling to celebrate Diwali in Lord Rama’s birthplace, Ayodhya.
Jaipur:
The Pink City, Jaipur, steers in the Diwali celebrations in grand style and should undoubtedly be on your list of the best places to visit in India during Diwali. Right from houses to palaces and even markets, the entire Jaipur city gets lavishly decorated and illuminated with sparkling lights during Diwali, offering a spellbinding sight to behold. It is interesting to note that a competition is held here every year in which the government pays the power bill for the most attractively and brilliantly decorated market. Enjoy the incredible beauty of the glittering Jaipur city through Vedic Walks, which is a one-of-a-kind Diwali Walking Tour.
Varanasi:
The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, or Banaras, makes way for a wonderful setting for a grand and unforgettable Diwali celebration. The sacred city of Varanasi comes alive with earthen lamps and candles and celebrates the Festival of Lights on the banks of the holy Ganges. If you are in Varanasi, you won’t want to miss the truly captivating Ganga Aarthi. The dazzling fireworks are yet another Diwali spectacle that attracts tourists visiting Varanasi during the festive season.
Amritsar:
Amritsar is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali. The Golden Temple in Amritsar gets lit up with millions of lights, oil lamps, and candles, offering a sight which is spectacularly breathtaking. The splendid display of fireworks over the Golden Temple is yet another stunning sight that will leave you spellbound. Moreover, Diwali is considered so special in Amritsar as it marks the placement of the Golden Temple’s foundation stone in 1577.
Hampi:
Hampi is an exceptional place where people, including foreigners, come to celebrate Diwali. The celebrations here are grand and worth experiencing. The sparkling festival of lights infuses life into this mystical land where the streets and towns are illuminated with shimmering lights and the sky dazzles with amazing fireworks. The special ceremonial functions at the Virupaksha Temple in the evening are a highlight, especially the local procession with the beautifully decorated temple elephant.
Kochi:
Kochi, which is, for all time, the melting pot of diverse cultures, is one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali. If you are planning to visit Kochi during Diwali, you can take part in the splendid Diwali celebrations conducted by the Gujarati community residing in Kochi. The North Indian communities in Kochi also celebrate Diwali grandly. Don’t forget to give yourself a tasty treat with the delicious Diwali Sweets at Kochi.
Chennai:
The Diwali celebration in Chennai is completely unique and is focused on Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. The celebration starts with people taking an oil bath in the morning, as they believe that taking an oil bath on Diwali day morning is equivalent to taking a bath in the Ganges. Chennai lights up on the evening of Diwali with colourful lights and glowing lamps, not to mention the firecrackers, which are the main part of Diwali celebrations in Chennai. Visit Chennai during Diwali and enjoy a wonderful festival time.
Delhi:
The capital city, Delhi, indeed counts as one of the perfect places in India to ring in the festival of lights. With vibrant festive fervour and bustling Diwali markets and fairs, Delhi will transport you to a whole new world during the festive season. Delhi is the place to be, especially for shopaholics who wish to indulge in shopping while celebrating Diwali. The city looks stunning, decked up with lights, and the vibe is vibrant, attracting tourists not only from India but also from outside of India.
Kolkata:
To witness a unique Diwali celebration, Kolkata is an ideal pick. The City of Joy, Kolkata, observes Diwali as Kali Puja, a celebration of Goddess Kali and her victory over many demons and evil. The city is beautifully lit up and illuminated during the festive season, and the streets are lined with beautiful idols of the Goddess. The best thing to do in Kolkata during Kali Puja is to take a tour of the famous Kali Puja Pandals or visit the biggest religious shrines like the Kalighat Temple or Dakshineswar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Shimla:
Visit Shimla to witness unique Diwali celebrations and folk performances. The speciality is that instead of celebrating alone, the whole village comes together to celebrate this vibrant festival. Being a part of the Diwali celebrations in Shimla will leave you with unique and unforgettable memories. While you are in Shimla during Diwali, you can enjoy trekking trips as well.
There is no better time to visit India than Diwali. Travelling to India around Diwali would undoubtedly enchant you with its dance music, diyas, rangolis, brilliant lights, breathtaking fireworks, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Do you intend to travel to India for Diwali?
Remember to include these locations on your bucket list.
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