Diwali, also known as Deepawali and the Festival of Lights, is one of the festivals in India for which people wait with much zeal, energy, and enthusiasm. It includes five-day celebrations and usually falls in October or November. It starts with Dhanteras, then Chhoti Diwali, then Diwali, the primary festival, then Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
This much-awaited festival depicts the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over wisdom, and light over darkness. People celebrate this festival, as on this day, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya with Mata Sita and Brother Lakshman after defeating the demon king of Lanka, Ravan. They welcomed them by lighting the lamps.
The festival of Diwali brings a fresh air of devotion, absolute joy, and happiness all around. The whole nation is filled with the festive spirit with traditions, rituals, and celebrations. People exchange gifts and sweets with each other, and they explore the charm of this festival to the fullest. They also decorate their houses with candles, lamps, and colorful, vibrant rangolis.
It is recognized as the largest holiday in India, and travelers also visit here to experience the Diwali festivities. Many locations in the nation are infused with special arrangements and a particularly vibrant ambiance. So, without any delay, let us acquaint all our readers with those sacred destinations in India to experience the “Festival of Lights.” As this festival approaches, plan to embark on a journey filled with absolute bliss and joy to experience the Diwali celebrations.
This year, in 2024, the complete festivities will start on Tuesday, October 29th, and end on Sunday, November 3rd. The primary Diwali celebrations and worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi will be on Friday, November 1st.
There are numerous celebrations all across the nation. However, if you want to celebrate this festival with a trip, there are a number of places where this festival can be celebrated with much charm. Discover below the top five cities in India to celebrate Diwali.
Varanasi, one of the most holy cities in India, celebrates Diwali on a grand scale. The ghats along the sacred river Ganges are lit with
thousands of lamps. The devotees feel mesmerized and filled with devotion as they offer prayers and seek blessings. The entire environment is filled with spiritual energy, and the celebration of Diwali here holds a unique spiritual essence. Ganga Aarti is the major holy ritual that takes place at the banks of the river Ganges every night and mesmerizes the devotees. Dev Deepawali is also celebrated in Varanasi with more lamps and lighting, after fifteen days of the primary festival.
Jaipur, also known as “Pink City,” holds the Diwali celebrations with much grandeur and enthusiasm. The entire city is filled with lights and decorations. There is an enchanting display of lights at different forts and palaces in Jaipur, including Hawa Mahal and City Palace. The entire city becomes visually appealing as every street, home, nook, and corner is bathed with the lights of candles and lamps. The delicious sweets and delicacies and the folk songs make Jaipur more vibrant during Diwali.
Ayodhya holds incredible significance for Diwali celebrations as this place is the birthplace of Lord Ram. On this holy day, the city is
transformed into a vibrant canvas, with thousands of lamps or diyas illuminating every corner of the town. The banks of the Sarayu River are highlighted with dazzling lights, and many cultural events are hosted. The Ram Lila here is the primary highlight and it keeps the audiences captivating and mesmerized. Thus, overall, here, the celebrations are a perfect blend of culture and spirituality.
Kolkata, also nicknamed “City of Joy,” celebrates Diwali with incredible enthusiasm, particularly along the banks of the Hooghly River. The must-see attractions in Kolkata are Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial. The celebrations of this festival in Kolkata depict the unity of cultures. Devotees from various cultures from all across the globe come to celebrate this much-awaited festival in Kolkata. Many cultural events are organized in the city to captivate visitors.
In Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated with the highest devotion and dedication. The Golden Temple is incredibly illuminated and its reflection shimmers in the Amrit Sarovar. The devotees offer prayers and seek blessings at this spiritual place and partake in Langar, the community meal. Experience the unique Diwali celebrations here and witness the grandeur of the festival.
Diwali is the festival that people celebrate with their family, friends, and loved ones with greater pomp and show. It signifies India’s rich
cultural diversity. If you have been looking for special experiences, visiting these five best places to celebrate Diwali in India should be on your list. By visiting these places, travelers can experience the charm of vibrant cultures and relish the delicious cuisines. Plan your Diwali trip to one of these destinations in India, immerse in the devotion, and spirituality, and experience the real magic and allure of the “Festival of Lights.” Visit with your family and friends and create unforgettable memories to cherish forever. We wish everyone a very Happy and Safe Diwali! May everyone’s life be illuminated with absolute joy, happiness, and prosperity!
