No doubt, the Festival of Lights is one of the most awaited festivals for Indians. It is celebrated all across the Globe. The entire country gets lit up with these colorful lights on the Biggest Festival of India. Diwali in India is a five-day festival. This festival has different names like Deepawali, Deepavali or Diwali. It could be anything in different regions of India, but the meaning is the same. Diwali means a row of lights.
Diwali In India
Diwali Celebration in India mainly depends on the Indian states where it is celebrated. It is not only celebrated in India but in other countries where Hindus reside. The significance of the Diwali Celebration in India is different based on the place. Yet, the display of firecrackers at night, lighting diya, drawing rangoli and decorating homes, doing Laxmi puja are very common.
There are huge preparations for Diwali like shopping for Diwali, exchanging savories, sweets, and gifts, greeting each other and sharing love, and much more. People clean their homes before start doing decorations. Homes are lit with Diya and lanterns. The aroma of sweets and savories getting prepared with pure ghee and fresh flowers comes during Diwali. These are the common celebrations at the homes of Indians which you can see if you visit any of these states in India.
Here are the best 6 places to visit during Diwali-
Varanasi – Popular For Ganga Mahotsav Festival
If you want to celebrate Diwali in the holy place, then Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India is the holiest place. Located on the bank of the River Ganga, this divine place is popular for its sacred style of Diwali celebration. Here, people let out thousands of diyas to float on the river Ganga. You can get plentiful rituals taking place in Varanasi.
Start your Diwali celebration with a holy bath in the bank of River Ganga, followed by shopping in the market where you will get everything from traditional attires to traditional sweets and savories. Here, this festival ends up with a beautiful display of firecrackers. A few days later, you can also indulge in Dev Deepavali which is popular here and celebrated as a part of the iconic Ganga Mahotsav Festival.
Kolkata – Popular For Kali Puja
While most of the people are busy worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali, bongs in Kolkata worship Goddess Kali on the main day of Diwali. A huge number of devotees are attracted to the popular holy shrines of Goddess Kali like Kalighat, Belur Math and Dakshineswar. This is the time when bongs get over the hangover of Durga Puja and start a new one.
Statue of frightful Goddess Kali, the Dark Mother, which are outstanding decorated are also put on display in Kolkata for people to visit. Goddess Kali is worshiped for her ability to destroy the ego and illusions that go with it. This is the time when Kolkata comes alive with bright diyas, and lanterns, and you can also witness some beautiful fireworks display at almost every corner of the city.
Goa – Popular For Naraka Chaturdasi
Goa is another place in India to visit during Diwali. The Diwali celebration in Goa begins from Naraka Chaturdasi when Goans decorate their homes with diyas, lanterns, and flowers. They also build several huge sized Narakasura puppets filled with firecrackers and hay. Then they burn it the next morning.
Jaipur – Popular For Bright Market
The celebration of Diwali in Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan means the warm glow of diyas and lanterns which graces the streets, homes, and shops. Jaipur is one of the best places to visit during Diwali where not just buildings but whole markets are lit. A competition is held every year for the best decorated and most brightly lit upmarket, and the government pays the electricity bill. The display is dazzling which attracts tourists from all across the globe.
Just like Las Vegas has earned the title “Strip”, Johari Bazaar has also earned the title of “The Strip” in Jaipur during Diwali. You can also enjoy the delicious Marwari dishes like Dal Bati Churma, Kachori, Ghevar, Mohanthal and much more. Get yourself attractive souvenirs and handicrafts through Jaipur. Also, witness the beautiful lakes of Jaipur that showcases the reflections of firecrackers and the shimmering lights of the palaces.
Amritsar – Popular For Bandi Chor Divas
Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is also one of the best places to visit during Diwali. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale here. Witness a mesmerizing display of firecrackers over the Golden Temple. The complex of Golden temple is also covered with bright lights, lanterns and the edge of the lake bordered with countless diyas and candles, lit by devotees. The Golden Temple looks stunning when lited.
Amritsar is also popular for Bandi Chhor Divas during Diwali. This is a huge festival for Sikhs who celebrate it as the return of their 6th Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from his custody. Special prayers and kirtans are conducted throughout the city. Enjoy the delicious Punjabi dishes that will have you licking your fingers.
Mumbai – Popular For Fireworks Display Near Sea Coast
Marine Drive which is also known as the Queen’s Necklace offers an expressive display for the blast of Diwali firecrackers in Mumbai. The people of Mumbai visit there to enjoy the atmosphere and witness the fireworks astonish the whole night. You can also visit popular temples of Mumbai like Mahalaxmi Temple and Sitladevi Temple to seek blessings.
Kerala – Popular For Onam Celebration
Yes, the festival of lights, firecrackers, and sweets is not so popular in Kerala. South Indians don’t celebrate Diwali with much ardor and for those think that Diwali is a big thing and is celebrated every nook and corner of India, then this is definitely surprising.
You can witness people celebrating Onam, Vishu, Shivaratri, and Christmas in Kerala with a good amount of enthusiasm. On the other hand, Diwali is only celebrated by north Indians or other people who reside in some of the big cities of Kerala such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
Each state of India has a unique way with unique significance to celebrate Diwali. So, this Diwali takes a vacation with your loved ones to your favorite place and gather memories of a sparkling celebration which is unique from what you have been celebrating for many years.
