Sparkle and Shine: 11 Must-Visit Destinations in India for a Diwali to Remember

India is a nation with a very diverse population. This land is home to the greatest number of festivals and faiths combined. India has the most number of celebrations globally because of this. India celebrates Diwali, one of the most popular celebrations in the world. In India, Diwali, often called Dipawali, is also known as the “festival of lights,” when people light up their homes and structures and celebrate with crackers. Due to the significance of Diwali for India, it is observed in a variety of ways by Indian cities, and the entire nation enjoys a long weekend around it. Consequently, we offer you this list of the Top 11 Must-See Locations in India during Diwali:

1. Ayodhya

When discussing the celebration of Diwali, the first site that comes to mind is Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, where he returned after a 14-year exile along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman. Here, you may see the true happiness and joy. Individuals gather along the banks of the Sarayu River from all around Uttar Pradesh and ignite candles there. Approximately three lakh diyas were lit, and the occasion was officially entered into the Guiness Book of Records.

The event is observed for four days, and it is a grand celebration. The women light the diyas and carry them to the river in a lovely ceremony. With the use of handmade ornaments, lights, and colorful papers, the city is exquisitely decked. You’ll be astounded and thrilled to celebrate this day with us. 

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2. Amritsar

Even though Amritsar is mostly known for the Sikh-dominated Golden Temple, Light Diwali is celebrated in this place in a very opulent and unique manner. It was established in 1619 upon the release of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Sikh guru, from an unlawful jail due to his religious convictions. Along with a number of other political figures who backed him, he was imprisoned.

Furthermore, the Golden Temple’s foundation stone was placed in 1577, making Diwali unique in Amritsar. You might be fortunate enough to see an amazing fireworks show over the Golden Temple if you come here around Diwali. Additionally, countless oil lamps and candles are lit throughout the temple complex by both pilgrims and devotees.

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3. Varanasi

One of the holiest sites on Earth for Hindus is Varanasi, also known as Banaras. The Ganga River reaches its widest point at this location, where it enters the ocean. You will have a wild time in Varanasi if you come here around Diwali. Throughout the entire night, a never-ending display of firecrackers and fireworks will be visible to you. Additional unique experiences to be had here include the unique Ganga Aarti, during which the Varanasi Ghats, particularly the Dashashwamedh Ghat, are lit with candles and earthen lamps that are then float in the river. Even more important, Dev Deepavali is held on a full moon night just after Diwali, which is celebrated for two weeks. At this time, the streets are lined with a massive procession of all the Hindu deities, and the ghats are lit up with over a million lamps. Later on, it falls on the same day as the Ganga Mahotsav, a cultural celebration. 

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4. Udaipur

One of the most happening and popular place to celebrate Diwali is in Udaipur. The Udaipur Light Festival, which the government started in 2012 to bring people together and celebrate Diwali in a royal style with performances by different singers, DJs from different genres, art installations, food stalls, enjoyable activities, and paper lanterns, is another attraction during the festival. It takes place at the Shouryagarh Resort and Spa on the outskirts of Udaipur. 

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5. Jaipur

Jaipur’s warm glow from oil lamps illuminating the streets, homes, and shops during Diwali is what makes the city most beautiful. A good location to witness this is Jaipur’s Pink City, where entire markets and buildings are illuminated each year in addition to individual dwellings. 

The government pays the power bill for the market that is most exquisitely and brilliantly decorated each year as part of a competition. Travelers from both inside and outside of India are drawn to this glitzy and sparkling festival. While there is a “Strip” in Las Vegas, during Diwali the Johari bazaar in Jaipur has also gained the moniker “The Strip.” The Vedic Walks are a unique Diwali Walking Tour that you may take part in.

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6. Goa

Goans celebrate Diwali in remembrance of Lord Krishna’s defeat of the Demon Narakasura. An annual competition is held in all the Goan cities and villages to determine who can create the biggest and tastiest demons, which are then set ablaze on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali.

Since gaming is a major industry in Goa, it is even more popular and demanding around Diwali. One of the best casinos in Goa is where you may try your luck. Due to great demand, make sure to reserve a well-known casino as they can be difficult to come by during the event.

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7. Delhi

India’s capital, Delhi, has a ton of fantastic places you should visit during your Diwali vacation. The Delhi government has limited the celebration of Diwali fireworks and firecrackers due to the rising rate of pollution. As a result, you may witness a city that is illuminated, with various lights illuminating everything from buildings to stores and marketplaces.

Delhi has a five-day Diwali celebration. Commencing with Dhanteras, which is considered the auspicious day for purchasing costly items, there is Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorating Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Naraksura, and Diwali, which falls on the third day of the Kartik new moon and marks the belief that Lord Rama saved his wife Sita from the demon Ravana. Candles are lit throughout Delhi, accompanied by small fireworks.

Then comes Balipadyami, which is the Vikram Samvat’s fourth day of the new year and the Annakut, which is all about feasting and food giveaways. Last but not least is Bhaiduj, a day dedicated to honoring the bond between a brother and sister.

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8. Ahmedabad

The cultures of Delhi and Ahemdabad are strikingly similar. In addition, it celebrates Diwali over the course of five days, beginning with Dhanteras, which is thought to be the auspicious day for expensive goods purchases; next is Naraka Chaturdashi, on which Lord Krishna is said to have killed the demon Naraksura; and finally, Diwali, which falls on the third day of the Kartik new moon and is marked by the lighting of candles and small fireworks throughout Delhi. Next is Balipadyami, which is the fourth day of the Vikram Samvat new year and the start of Annakut, a festival dedicated to food distribution and feasting. Finally, the day is commemorated for the Bhaiduj.

9. Kolkata

Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puna in Kolkata and West Bengal, which is a remarkable sight to behold. While the rest of India worships Goddess Laxmi, Kolkata and West Bengal celebrate Diwali as Kali Puna. Numerous visitors and devotees flock to Kolkata’s Maa Kali temples, including those at Dakshineswar, Belur Math, and Kalighat, on this day. The dark mother, and courageous Goddess Kali idols, are beautifully embellished and placed on exhibit for public viewing across the city. Kali is said to be worshipped for her capacity to dispel all associated negativity, ego, and illusions. Everything is ablaze and lit up for Diwali.

10. Madurai

Tamil Nadu’s third-biggest city is Madurai. On the second day of the five-day Diwali celebration, known as Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali is observed in the month of Aippasi. This holiday is observed by the South Indians one day before by the North Indians. They fill it with water for their bath the following day and utilize this day to stroke their used oven with four to five dots. The oil bath is regarded as sacred as the Ganges River. 

Before taking a bath, the older members of the household give the younger ones’ heads gentle strokes with gingelly oil. The essential items for the puja at the actual house temple are crackers and fresh clothing, which they set aside. During the celebration, the highlights include delicacies like jangri, pathri, oeni, vellaiappam, chutney, idli, boondi, ukkarai, omapodi, and sambar. 

11. Pushkar

One such city is Pushkar, which is made up of hills, forests, lakes, and sand dunes that surround Pushkar Lake. The spirituality and beauty of this oasis village are only two of the many reasons to visit. Swimming in the Pushkar Lake, seeing the nation’s sole Brahma temple, and witnessing the breathtaking sunrise and sunset are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are truly amazing. 

However, if you go to Pushkar around Diwali, you can see the Haveli Diwali, an annual camel market. This is a fascinating event to see since almost 50,000 camels take part in the fair, all of them fully clothed and decorated in vibrant hues, and they are driven up the ramp. They trade beside it and take part in races as well.