Say the word ‘Diwali’ and your memory instantly lights up with visuals like homes adorned with diyas and Diwali lights, bustling local markets, cheerful faces and a sense of fervour all around.
Diwali has a strong mythological purpose associated with it. This is a festival that is celebrated in India to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and his return back to Ayodhya after completing his exile. To make sure Lord Rama’s return was safe and smooth at that time, his subjects set up twinkling earthenware oil lamps (diyas). This is why lighting up diyas forms an integral part of the Indian festival of Diwali. Also, blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are sought on the auspicious occasion of this festival.
Many people light diyas and candles in and outside their houses and adorn their houses with lights. While fireworks do add to the sense of occasion, it comes at the cost of polluting the environment. Therefore, we’d rather light up this festival with our spirits and give Mother Nature a respite.
Diversity in Revelry
From different Diwali celebration events to the extremely simple yet vibrant melas, Diwali is an auspicious festival that everyone looks forward to. That being said, every place has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali. In fact, there are so many cities and towns in India that you can visit to witness how diverse Diwali celebrations across the country are. Interestingly, you have festive tour packages for the same. Who knew, right?!
Here is a list of places we’d recommend you to visit during Diwali in India: -
1. Celebrate Diwali in the spectacularly illuminated city of Jaipur
If you plan on celebrating Diwali in the beautiful city of Jaipur, then you must know that Diwali celebrations start in the Pink City on Dhanteras which is the first day of the five-day-long Diwali celebrations. The walled city is stunningly illuminated as you walk through the streets during the festival of Diwali and gaze at the twinkly lights. If you are looking for one place to have the best time during Diwali in Jaipur, India, then go straight to the Nahargarh Fort. It offers stunning after-dark sights of the festivities, making for a joyous view to watch with your close ones. Another place that you can head to is the Albert Hall Museum that is also adorned with beautiful lights.
2. Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar for a one-of-its-kind experience
A trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar is always satisfactory, but Diwali is one time that you enjoy a visit to this breathtaking temple the most. The Indian festival of Diwali also coincides with the celebrations of Bandi Chhor Divas. The day is celebrated to mark the release and return of the Guru Hargobind (the 6th Sikh Guru) from Mughal imprisonment.
If you are a photography enthusiast, then clicking the Golden Temple fully-bathed in light is a must. Take this from us; you’ll be amazed at this sight no matter how many times you look at it. Follow that with a dinner of Amritsari delicacies to conclude your Diwali celebrations on a sumptuous note.
3. Celebrate Diwali with millions of people in Varanasi
One of the best ways to celebrate Diwali in India is to plan a trip to Varanasi. It is a place where you will see millions of lights blazing together with folks immersed in devotion all around. You can start your day with a bath in the Ganges and then set out on foot to explore the busy markets of Varanasi where you can buy vibrant clothes or some lip-smacking sweets. As the day proceeds to an end, you can hop on a boat during sunset and watch the lamps aglow at the shore and take in the spiritual environment that the recitals and chants create on the riverside.
If you want to see it all out, attend the Ganga Mahotsav Festival’s Dev Deepavali, one of the best Diwali celebration events that give you a deep insight into the cultural heritage of Varanasi.
4. Be a part of Kali Puja and Diwali festivities in Kolkata
It is known that Diwali is the time around which people from all over the country worship Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi to get blessed with wisdom, good luck, and wealth. However, there is a different scenario in Kolkata. In this Indian state, Diwali is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Kali, making for one of the best Diwali celebrations in India.
On your trip to Kolkata, you can head to the popular Kali temples of Kolkata such as Belur Math, Dakshineswar Kali temple, and Kali Ghat and be a part of the Kali Puja. These temples are thronged with devotees from all over the world and are fascinating places to visit on your Kolkata tour.
5. Go Diwali Shopping in Delhi, the capital city of India
This one never gets old!
Diwali celebrations in India can never be complete without shopping. Delhi is a place where Diwali shopping feels no less than a gala affair. The city is dotted with Diwali markets and fairs attracting people from all over.
- The Dastkar Festival of Lights Diwali Mela that takes place here showcases some of the most exceptional handicrafts that you can buy.
- You can also attend the Diwali carnival that takes place at the upmarket neighbourhood of Sundar Nagar which is indeed one of the best Diwali celebrations in India. It has been taking place for over 50+ years and also has some great rides in store for you.
- For buying unique Diwali decorations, you can go to the Matka Market, situated in the south of Delhi.
Amidst your city-hopping spree, you are sure to fall in love with the multi-hued clay diyas lining up every corner and street you pass through. Fulfilling, we tell you!
6. Be in the peaceful setting of Udaipur during Diwali
Seeking a quieter Diwali? Udaipur has got you covered. Sitting and experiencing the sights and sounds from a distance while you explore the lakes and other places would make for a different yet very exciting thing to do on Diwali. Whoever said the best Diwali celebrations in India can’t be tranquil?!
An Indian holiday that the whole nation looks forward to, Diwali is an occasion where families get together, strangers become acquaintances and a sense of giving and forgiving prevails. Add travel to the mix and Diwali becomes even more beautiful J Okay, okay; we’ll stop romanticizing now.
Team Veena World wishes you all a prosperous, bright, and harmonious Diwali!
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