Diwali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ is one of the most famous and eagerly awaited festivals in India. This festival is celebrated with lights, oil lamps, fire crackers, sweets, etc. It is famous for the victory of light over darkness or good over evil. So, the question about the locations of Diwali celebration in India can be answered with the definable tone: everywhere. The main feature of Diwali is that it is multi-faceted – you can engage in a large-scale celebration on the city’s level, and on the other extreme, participate in a quiet temple ceremony. Curated below is the list of the best places in India to celebrate Diwali.
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1. Varanasi: Diwali on the Ganges
Perhaps the most enchanting and beautiful place in India to celebrate Diwali is Varanasi as the people there are very devoted. Well-known for being spiritually central to Hindu religion, Varanasi contributes extra to Diwali festivities than simple illumination of lamps and bursts of firecrackers. The entire city is illuminated, particularly at the ghats of the river Ganges. Seeing thousands of lamps floating on the river with the background prayers also offers a feeling of spirituality and peacefulness.
Of these, Dev Deepawali, which is celebrated after 15 days of Diwali, is even more colorful than the festival of lights itself. This is the right season to visit Varanasi if you like to watch an enchanting spectacle of ultimate lights, rituals, and spiritual energy of Indian heartland.
2. Jaipur and Udaipur: Royal Celebrations in Rajasthan
For those people who are seeking a bit more royal and authentic atmosphere the two best places to celebrate this ancient holiday in India are Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan. These cities, including those famous for their palaces and forts, appear even more festive during this time.
This is the moment when Jaipur, the Pink City, comes alive like a fairy-tale kingdom. The markets and monuments are well lit, and the whole city gets into the festive spirit with much joy. Two of the most famous markets are the Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar. These are adorned with beautiful lights; the lanterns, candles, lamps, and other decoration items are sold by local craftspeople.
Diwali in Udaipur or the City of Lakes is not ordinary and is celebrated in a Royal manner. The reflection of the illuminated palaces and houses in the water gives the scene a beautiful and romantic feel. The locals make grand firework display and a number of hotels arrange Diwali parties with navratna bhoj- traditional feast and dance performances.
3. Amritsar: Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple
Another popular place for Diwali celebration is Amritsar. And mainly in the Golden Temple. This festival in Amritsar is distinct because it is a Hindu celebration of Diwali along with the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas. It pays tribute to the freeing of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment. One of the famous religious and ancient monuments is the Golden Temple. Here in the evening, lighted with thousands of lights and diyas looks superb. There are colorful fireworks at night, and the pilgrims come to offer their prayers at the shrine, so one cannot feel lonely.
Diwali in Amritsar is not as loud as in other parts of India, still it has both, religious value and beauty making it one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India.
4. Kolkata: Diwali and Kali Puja
Kolkata has a very different flavour of Diwali as Durga Puja and Kali Puja are celebrated here. While people all over India celebrate Diwali as the ‘festival of lights’ and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, the Bengalis celebrate Kali Puja with much enthusiasm, where Kali, the goddess of power and destruction is worshipped. The people celebrate the occasion with lighting of oil lamps, bursting of fire crackers, and offering of colorful pujas to goddess Kali.
Temples like Kalighat Temple and Dakshineswar Temple are the centres of these functions. City is illuminated and streets lively with activities, families enjoying their meals on roads, sweets and fire crackers.
5. Ayodhya: Diwali in the Land of Lord Ram
In Hindu tradition Diwali also represents the victorious return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and therefore its believed that the festival began here. Therefore, Ayodhya remains one of the most revered locations where Diwali is celebrated. The festivities here are grand and elaborate, especially during the Deepotsav festival. Because millions of lamps are lit to replicate the scene of Ram’s homecoming.
The ‘Ram-Nagri’ is illuminated and the entire city celebrates victory and the homecoming of Lord Ram. If you want Diwali in its most traditional and as filled with mythology as it can be, you must visit Ayodhya where Diwali is celebrated most in India.
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6. Delhi: Diwali in the Capital
Delhi being the capital city of the country celebrates Diwali in a very grand manner. It is as if the entire city of Delhi erupts into sparkling illuminations, exciting shows, and an unending string of Diwali melas. Delhi shopping markets, including Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar, are a must-visit during this time. Why? That is because the stalls are filled with decorations, sweets, and gifts in preparation for the festival.
Sights which can be seen include; India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the fire works that fill the sky. There are also a number of cultural shows, dance performances and other related events and Diwali melas in Delhi, making it a vibrant place for tourists during the festival.
7. Mumbai: Lights, Fireworks, and Beaches
The Diwali festival celebration in Mumbai is not as static and dull. But it is full of activities with the lightings illuminating the tall buildings and the shore line. Marine Drive is one of the best places to watch the fireworks and have an excellent view of the city at night. The markets like Zaveri Bazaar market in Mumbai are operational. The citizens are seen thronging temples such as Siddhivinayak temple and Mahalakshmi Temple.
Diwali celebrations in Mumbai also continue in the movie world and film actors and actresses celebrate Diwali by hosting parties. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find yourself in a city when there is a star-studded event going on!
8. Goa: Diwali with a Twist
Diwali or the festival of lights is observed in different ways all over India. Goa has its particular way of making the festival special. Here, the seven days begin with the festive Narakasura Vyadh. That involves setting ablaze puppets of Narakasura, signifying victory over the devil. People of the locality construct huge demon models which they take through the streets and at last set fire to and thus shoot fire works.
Goa also has joyful celebrations, where the churches, temples, and homes are decorated with beautiful lights. It is also common for many beach resorts to put up activities for Diwali. Hence it is possible to have the festival celebrations while also having a holiday at the beach.
9. Madurai: Traditional South Indian Diwali
If you would like to celebrate Diwali in the southern region of the subcontinent, then Madurai is a wonderful place to visit. It is popular known as Deepavali in the south. It is observed through bathing in the early morning, anointing the body with oil, and visiting the temples. As part of the festival, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai emerges as the venue for devotees paying homage to the goddess amid bright lamps and rites.
Diwali in the south is different from that in the northern states. They are very noisy and set off fire crackers. However, to be historic, traditional, and religious, Diwali in Madurai is the best.
Conclusion: Where to Celebrate Diwali in India
India is a diverse country, and Diwali celebrations vary across regions, each offering a unique way to experience this festival. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual celebration on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, a royal affair in Rajasthan, or a beachfront celebration in Goa, the best places in India to celebrate Diwali offer something for every traveler. With vibrant lights, cultural performances, and deep-rooted traditions, Diwali is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all across the country, making it an unforgettable experience wherever you choose to visit.
So, where is Diwali celebrated most in India? The answer lies in what kind of experience you’re seeking. Yes whether it’s the spiritual immersion of Varanasi, the regal festivities of Rajasthan, or the coastal charm of Goa, India’s diverse regions promise a spectacular Diwali celebration.