The biggest Indian festival of the year is here! Diwali, the festival of lights is fast approaching. One of the famous and widely celebrated festivals in India, Diwali is marked by prosperity and happiness for everyone.
Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is celebrated across India to celebrate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years’ exile and defeating Ravana. To commemorate Lord Rama’s victory, people decorate the city with lights.
Hence, Diwali is a time for families to strengthen their bond and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. During the festival, people burst crackers, decorate homes with lights, and greet each other by exchanging gifts and sweets.
Have a look at the 5 best places to visit in India for a remarkable Diwali celebration, witness the richness and experience that how this promising event is celebrated in different cities of India:
Varanasi – Diwali after Diwali
Diwali is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Varanasi. It welcomes the advent of winter. Experience the festival fervor by getting into the celebratory spirit of this sacred city. You can begin your celebrations by taking a bath in the holy Ganges. Buy colorful traditional clothes and varieties of sweets from the bustling markets of Varanasi. Experience the best Diwali celebrations of India at the ghat and make your festive holiday memorable.
But celebrations don’t culminate here. After 15 days of Diwali, Dev Deepawali is also celebrated in the city. This post-Diwali celebration is because of Lord Shiva’s victory over demon Tripurasur. Dev Deepawali is also known as Tripurotsav and is celebrated on Kartik Purnima – full moon day according to the Hindu calendar.
Attractions:
- Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Ganges and its ghat, lit up by thousands of diyas (clay lamps).
- Add extra light to your Diwali celebration with an evening boat ride and watching the decorated town from the middle of the river.
Read Also: Things to do in Varanasi
Kolkata – The Prodigious Kali Puja
Everyone knows about the famous Durga Puja of Kolkata but the festivities in this City of Joy during Diwali are not widely known. Usually, Lakshmi Mata is worshiped on this day in the maximum cities of India, while Goddess Kali is worshiped in Kolkata. The aura of the Kali temples and the ritual performed on the day of this winter festival in India is worth attending. The auspicious evening is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Kolkata is one of the best destinations to enjoy Diwali celebrations in India in a dynamic environment.
You can visit Kalighat Temple of Dakshineswar Temple to be a part of the great occasion, which are religious shrines. You can venture out to hopping pandals, and marvel at the unique decorations and advanced setup for worship. Areas such as Park Street and New Market are best for shopping and dining.
Attractions:
- Take a long drive at night to witness the artistic scene showcasing Gods and Goddesses decked up in lights.
- At the Bonedi houses, light the fire lamps and release those to the sky.
- Book a Hooghly River cruise that takes you across city ghats and hotspots.
- Partake in Ganga Aarti in Howrah’s Ramakrishnapur Ghat.
Also Read: Things to do in Kolkata
Jaipur – Lively Markets and Folk Plays
Enjoy Diwali celebrations with a festival trip to the Pink City. The people of Jaipur rejoice in this festival of lights by getting united and enjoying ethnic shows, and performances. The bustling bazaars represent the celebratory mood. Hence, Jaipur wins the title for the best Diwali celebration.
During Diwali, the night of those five-day celebrations, the markets are lit bright and people can shop until late. You can relish the well-made Marwari cuisine or shop for attractive souvenirs for your loved ones.
Attractions:
- The Nahargarh Fort becomes a sensational spot, especially after the sunset. City views from the fort are simply jaw-dropping.
- Visit markets and various sightseeing places of the city to marvel at the tasteful Diwali decor.
Also Read: Things to do in Jaipur
Goa – Ablaze the Evil
Diwali celebrations and gambling is the best combination. And, what could be a better place to try your luck at the pocket-size paradise of India? Goa has a surprisingly different Diwali version. It is celebrated here on Naraka Chaturdashi. It is similar to the ritual of burning effigies of the Ravana, his son Meghnath, and brother Kumbhakaran. People in Goa believe that the demon Narakasura, who terrorized villages and the people in it, was killed on this day by Lord Krishna and people celebrate it on Naraka Chaturdashi, otherwise referred to as Choti Diwali.
Houses are decorated with bright lights and jazzed up with colorful Rangoli patterns made of colored powder and rice. If you want to celebrate your Diwali peacefully then visiting Goa beaches is the best way to celebrate Diwali.
Attractions:
- Watch huge figures of the demon paraded on the Goa streets.
- Enjoy burning effigies of Narakasura with the locals.
- Savor delicious Diwali special cuisines or buy souvenirs for your loved ones at the local markets.
Also Read: Things to do in Goa
Amritsar – Light up with Bandi Chhor Divas
Amritsar, the home to the Golden Temple, is one of the best places to visit during Diwali. When Hindus and others celebrate Diwali, Sikhs remember the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind from prison in 1619 and his return to Amritsar. It is thus celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas that means the liberation of prisoners’ day.
The best way to experience Diwali celebrations in Amritsar is to visit the Golden Temple. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale here. The Golden Temple looks stunning when lit. Witness a mesmerizing display of firecrackers in the background of the Golden Temple. Special prayers and kirtans are conducted throughout the city.
Attractions:
- Marvel at the decked up Golden temple complex with lights and lamps.
- Lit the border of the lake here with thousands of diyas and candles.
- Enjoy the delightful Punjabi food and go shopping at the famous mall.
So which of these, according to you, is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India. Burning effigies of the Narakasura, or venture out to hopping puja pandals? Whatever you decide, make sure to get the most out of this Diwali, for it’s here to welcome the winter season. Have a bright and joyous Diwali!
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