Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a magical time to explore India, as the country comes alive in a spectacular display of joy and devotion. It is a time for you to light the diyas outside your door, welcoming happiness and good fortune into your home. Sweep away the dust to prepare for new beginnings. Boxes of sweets, made with love, are ready for you to share with friends and family. Put on your best clothes, excited for the celebration.
Moreover, Homes are bright with lights, and doors are open wide to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, inviting her blessings of wealth and prosperity.
Diwali is a great chance to experience India’s rich culture and spirituality. But each region has its own special way of celebrating, so you can enjoy colourful traditions, delicious sweets, and amazing fireworks. Diwali is truly a festival of hope, love, and spirituality, lighting your way to brighter days ahead as you make wonderful memories with your loved ones.
1.Varanasi: A Spiritual and Glowing Diwali
Welcome to Varanasi, where spirituality and beauty come together during Diwali! This holy city transforms into a magical place, as with the ghats along the sacred Ganges River lit up by thousands of glowing diyas (oil lamps). The scene sparkles on the water during this time , creating an atmosphere filled with joy, love, and celebration.
But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Varanasi also hosts Dev Deepawali, known as the Diwali of the Lords, which takes place 15 days after Diwali. It is believed that the Lords come down to Earth to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga. During this time, all 84 ghats are illuminated with clay lamps to welcome them. This sight is truly worth witnessing, as various rituals and celebrations fill the air with joy and spirituality.
What to do:
- Attend the Ganga Aarti: Experience the beautiful Ganga Aarti, during priests light lamps and chant prayers. The river shines with flickering lights, filling the air with peace and a warm feeling of spirituality.
- Take a Boat Ride: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges as the sun sets. You’ll see the glowing ghats reflected on the water, creating a stunning view that you’ll love.
- Enjoy Fireworks: Watch the sky light up with colourful fireworks that add excitement to the celebration. The bright colours and loud sounds create a fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
- Savour Local Sweets: Don’t forget to try Malaiyo, a delicious and creamy dessert that’s popular during Diwali. It’s a sweet treat that brings happiness and adds to the festive joy with your loved ones.
2.Jaipur: Diwali in the Pink City
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a joyful and grand celebration, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than in the vibrant city of Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur lights up with beautiful colours and festivities during Diwali. At Go Rajasthan Travel, we invite you to join us on a special journey with our Jaipur Tour Packages.
A must-visit during Diwali in Jaipur is the famous Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. This stunning building is decorated with thousands of glowing lights, creating a magical sight. With our Jaipur Trip Packages,especially you’ll have the chance to see the Hawa Mahal shining bright, providing a beautiful backdrop for your Diwali celebrations.
What to do:
- Shop at Johari Bazaar: Explore the colourful market filled with stalls selling traditional clothes, beautiful jewellery, and unique handicrafts. This is a great place for you to find special gifts and souvenirs.
- Enjoy the Festive Spirit: Soak in the lively atmosphere of the market, where you can listen to traditional music and watch dance performances that celebrate Diwali.
- Savour Delicious Sweets: Treat yourself to local sweets like Gulab Jamun, Barfi, and Kaju Katli. These tasty treats are popular during Diwali and are perfect for sharing!
- Enjoy Savoury Dishes: Don’t miss trying traditional Rajasthani foods. Taste Dal Baati Churma, a dish of lentils and baked bread, or Pyaaz Kachori, a spicy onion-filled pastry.
- Capture Memorable Moments: Take photos of the beautiful decorations and busy crowds to create memories you’ll cherish long after the festival is over.
3.Amritsar: Diwali at the Golden Temple
Diwali in Amritsar is a truly special experience, especially at the Golden Temple, where spirituality, love, and celebration blend together in a magical way. Imagine being with your loved ones as the temple shines with thousands of lights, their reflections glowing on the water, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. The warmth of the lamps and the closeness of your family or friends fill the air with joy.
Holding hands, sharing smiles, and listening to the prayers, you feel connected to each other and to the special spirit of Diwali.
Diwali at the Golden Temple is not just about the lights—it’s about sharing the moment with the people you love, making memories that will last forever. The joy of the festival, along with the love of your family or friends, makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
What to Do:
- Visit the Golden Temple: Be sure to arrive at the Golden Temple by evening, around 8:00 pm, to witness the full beauty of the celebration. While thousands of oil lamps light up the temple, creating a glowing, peaceful scene.
- Watch the Fireworks: As night falls, the skies above the Golden Temple light up with a beautiful fireworks display, and during this time, the bright colors reflecting on the water add excitement and joy to the calm atmosphere of the temple.
- Take Part in the Langar: Experience the sense of community by joining the Langar, where thousands of people gather to share a simple meal together. It’s so powerful reminder of love, unity, and kindness, which are the core values of the Sikh tradition.
- Explore Local Markets: Take a walk through the lively streets near the Golden Temple or around Hall Bazaar, where the markets are full of lights, decorations, and delicious sweets like Jalebi and Pinni. The markets are buzzing with the excitement of Diwali, So making it the perfect time to explore and soak in the festive atmosphere.
4.Kolkata: A Diwali with Kali Puja
Join in the unique Diwali celebrations in Kolkata, where the festival beautifully aligns with Kali Puja.This powerful event honours the fierce goddess Kali and fills the city with lively energy. As night falls, while you’ll see Kolkata light up with colourful decorations and festive excitement.
What to Do:
- Visit Kali Temples: You can explore the Dakshineswar Temple and Kalighat Temple, where you’ll witness beautiful rituals dedicated to Goddess Kali. The stunning decorations and the atmosphere filled with devotion will leave you in awe.
- See the Beautiful Pandals: Just like during Durga Puja, you’ll find amazing pandals (temporary structures) set up for Kali. These are beautifully designed and lit up, showcasing the creativity and spirit of Kolkata’s culture.
- Enjoy Fireworks and Lights: Celebrate Diwali with spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky. The city sparkles with thousands of diyas (oil lamps), creating a magical atmosphere all around you.
- Taste Bengali Sweets: Treat yourself to Kolkata’s famous sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi. The delightful flavours of these treats are a perfect way for you to enjoy the festive season.
5.Goa: Diwali by the Beach
Diwali is celebrated with excitement and passion in Goa. The festivities commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolised by the burning of statues in various villages. Homes are beautifully decorated with colourful Rangoli designs and illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), creating a cheerful vibe that fills the area.
During this festive time, you can enjoy spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky. Traditional music and dance performances while take place along the shoreline, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
What to Do:
- Beach Bonfires: Gather with friends around beach bonfires in the evening. Enjoy music and dance as you celebrate Diwali in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.
- Fireworks Display: Watch colourful fireworks light up the sky over the water, creating a magical backdrop for your celebrations.
- Explore Local Temples: Visit beautiful temples like Shri Mangueshi Temple and Shri Shantadurga Temple. Participate in special Diwali rituals and soak in the spiritual ambiance.
- Savour Goan Delights: Treat yourself to delicious Goan food during the festivities. Don’t miss local dishes like Pork Vindaloo, Goan Fish Curry, and sweet treats like Bebinca and Dodol.
- Join Beach Parties: Take part in lively beach parties happening throughout Goa during Diwali. Enjoy great music, dance, and connect with fellow travellers as you celebrate together.
Conclusion
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends while exploring India’s rich culture. From the spiritual beauty of Varanasi to the colourful festivities in Jaipur, the peaceful atmosphere at Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the unique Kali Puja in Kolkata, and the lively beach celebrations in Goa, each place offers something special.
During this joyful festival, you can make lasting memories filled with happiness, love, and spirituality. Whether you’re sharing sweets, watching fireworks, or joining in local traditions, every moment of Diwali brings you closer to the heart of this incredible celebration.
So gather your loved ones, enjoy the warmth of togetherness, and let the lights of Diwali brighten your days ahead. Happy Diwali!