Diwali is the most important holiday and biggest festival in India. In the South, Diwali is celebrated to highlight the offerings of deities, and in the North, the day marks the return of Rama. It is the time of year when Hindus décor their houses with lights and rangoli. Over the years, Diwali has become a national festival. So, now, the Hindu community and many other communities also participate in the festivity.
If all this excites you and you are curious about this festival of lights, continue to read. Most importantly, you can know about some of the popular destinations to visit in India during Diwali.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, or Deepavali or Divali, is a special "festival of lights." It is about celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People light up many candles and clay lamps called diyas in their homes and streets that night. Diwali is a five-day event celebrated in most parts of India, with the main festivities happening on the third day. In other areas, only the main day of Diwali is usually celebrated.
As Diwali gets closer, people worldwide come to India to see the amazing celebration from the busy streets of Delhi to the peaceful ghats of Varanasi and from the fancy palaces of Jaipur to the beautiful beaches of Goa, which might surprise you. India has a lot to offer during this festive time!
10 Best Places to Visit During Diwali
Some popular places in India are where tradition, culture, and lively celebrations create a bright and joyful experience during Diwali. Whether you love learning about different cultures or want to feel the magic of Diwali, these places promise a memorable experience and adventure. Let’s find out which are the top places to visit during Diwali:
Varanasi
You can start your Diwali experience with a bath in the holy Ganga River and then explore markets offering clothes and sweets. Enjoy a boat ride at sunset and witness the lamps and religious activities beside the river, and the celebrations of the festival end with a stunning fireworks show. If you have to stay longer, join the Gods' Diwali (Dev Deepavali) during the Ganga Mahotsav Festival in Varanasi.
Jaipur
One should visit Jaipur to enjoy the amazing Diwali celebrations, starting with Dhanteras. The city lights from Nahargarh Fort and famous landmarks give a pleasant view. You can walk through the lively bazaars of the city and can enjoy the folk music. You will also find some crafted lamps in the markets. You must try delicious Marwari food and buy cool trinkets and antiques during the fantastic trip through Jaipur.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya, known as the main place for Diwali celebrations, the people of Ayodhya celebrate the return of their king, Lord Rama, after 14 years. It is believed to be his birthplace. The city lights up, and a special aarti is performed by the Sarayu River, which brings peace to locals and visitors. This year, Ayodhya's Diwali is going to be extra special. The government plans to break a world record by lighting 21 lakh diyas (lamps) during the state-funded Deepotsav celebrations.
Goa
In Goa, people usually associate the place with Christmas and New Year festivities. However, the people of Goa uniquely celebrate Diwali. The people celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi during Diwali, a unique and unforgettable celebration. During this celebration, the people usually light up the windows and doorways. On Diwali, communities in Goa create tall effigies from grass and fireworks and burn them the next day earlier in the morning.
Amritsar
Amritsar is a special city famous for the Golden Temple. During Diwali, it becomes even more vibrant as the Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh festival) overlaps with Diwali. This festival marks the freedom of Guru Hargobind and others from the Gwalior Fort. They were imprisoned by Mughal king Jahangir. People in Amritsar celebrate by lighting homes, sharing sweets, and having kirtans. It is beautiful to see the mix of Hindu and Sikh traditions during Diwali in Amritsar.
Mumbai
Mumbai dazzles during Diwali with a stunning display. The whole city becomes a colorful mix of lights and fireworks. Everyone happily participates in the festivities, no matter where they are from. The well-known Marine Drive becomes a bright pathway, and families share gifts and sweets, making the festive atmosphere even more joyful. So, why not to be a part of these lively celebrations?
Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat throws a big party called Rann Utsav, which happens around the same time as Diwali. It is a great chance to enjoy both things together. You can have a mix of celebrating the festival and experiencing the Kutch area's traditions and culture. It is what makes Rann of Kutch the best spot to be a part of the celebrations of Diwali.
Delhi
In the capital city of Delhi, they have a big celebration called Diwali. They light up the sky with fireworks at places like India Gate and Akshardham Temple. The markets in Delhi are perfect for buying festive things and tasting delicious street food. If you are in Delhi during Diwali, you can also visit Noida and Gurugram for fun and a great experience.
Pushkar
Pushkar is a special city with hills, forests, lakes, and dunes around Pushkar Lake. It is a beautiful and spiritual place worth visiting. During Diwali, there is a cool event called Haveli Diwali, where about 50,000 camels, all dressed in colorful outfits, gather for a camel market. It is exciting to watch them being led up a ramp.
Udaipur
Udaipur is really beautiful, especially during Diwali. It is a great place to visit with its pretty surroundings and lively atmosphere. The City of Lakes looks stunning during Diwali. If you like shopping, October and November are perfect times to go because the streets and markets are bustling. Remember to bargain for some fantastic deals.
Conclusion:
The festival is as special to Hindus as the Christmas is to the Christians. The festival of lights is a special occasion for the Hindus and is celebrated between mid-October to mid-November, on the 15th of Kartik month. The event starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. If you are in India during Diwali, then Varanasi, Jaipur, and Ayodhya are a few of the best places to celebrate the event.
