Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the “Festivals of Lights” is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India. The five-day festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, or positivity over negativity, and also strengthens the family bonds. During the festival, people decorate and lighten their homes with lights and earthen lamps, burst crackers, and exchange sweets and gifts. The festival has a strong cultural significance marked by prosperity, happiness, and togetherness.
When is Diwali in 2024?
Here is a list of important dates for the Diwali Festival in the year 2024
- Day 1 – Dhanteras (Tuesday, 29 October)
- Day 2 – Choti Diwali (Thursday, 31 October)
- Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main day) (Friday, 01 November)
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (Saturday, 02 November)
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (Sunday, 03 November)
Have a look at some best places to visit in India to celebrate and enjoy the festival of lights, making a remarkable experience.
List of the Top 8 Places To Celebrate Diwali In India:
1. Ayodhya – ‘A Mega Diwali’
The city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Shri Ram where he returned with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile. The four-day celebration marks the genuine happiness and joy of people over there. Deepotsav- “A Carnival of Lights” is organized by the state government each Diwali where the river banks of Sarayu River are lit up with floating diyas.
The priest also performs the rituals along with the aarti on the riverbanks with thousands of devotees. Each nook and corner of the city was lit up with earthen lamps and beautifully decorated with lights and colorful decorative items. Witnessing Diwali in Ayodhya will give you a lifetime experience.
Things to Do: Attend the grand “Deepotsav” celebration on the banks of the Saryu River, where millions of diyas (oil lamps) are lit, creating a stunning visual. Watch cultural performances, Ram Leela enactments, and a mesmerizing fireworks display.
Tourist Attractions: Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi, Hanuman Garhi Mandir, Kanak Bhavan Temple, Sita ki Rasoi, Sri Maniram das Chavani, Nageshwarnath Temple.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Lucknow (135 km), and Ayodhya is well-connected by train to major cities.
2. Varanasi – ‘Famous for Dev Deepavali’
Varanasi or Banaras or Kashi is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India to celebrate Diwali. The sacred city celebrates Diwali on the banks of the holy river Ganga with a special “Ganga Aarti” and diyas floating down the rivers. The fireworks and firecrackers go off the whole night and you can get an amazing view from the Ganga ghat.
Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi 15 days after regular Diwali in honor of Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur. Dev Deepavali or Dev Diwali is also called Tripurotsav and is celebrated on Kartik Purnima. Thousands of clay lamps are lit on the river Ganga giving a whole different vibe.
Things to Do: Witness the Dev Deepavali festival celebrated 15 days after Diwali, where the ghats of the Ganges are illuminated with diyas. Attend the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, watch traditional performances, and enjoy boat rides along the illuminated ghats.
Top Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Assi Ghat, New Vishwanath Temple.
How to Reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi is the nearest airport, and the city is also accessible by train.
3. Jaipur – ‘Famous for Folk Performances and Bright Market’
Jaipur, the pink city in Rajasthan looks stunning on Diwali eve with lightning and lively streets, homes, and a marketplace. The markets are filled with attractive handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, stalls, Marwari cuisine, and musicians playing folk culture. Jaipur welcomes Diwali with full enthusiasm and is one of the most popular destinations to celebrate the Diwali festival.
A competition is held each year for the best decorated and brilliantly lit up market for which the government pays the power bill. The Nahargarh Fort and Johari Bazaar give an amazing view of the decorated and shining city. Many heritage hotels also arrange Diwali celebrations for the guests.
Things to Do: Explore the vibrant markets decorated with lights, colors, and handicrafts. Visit the famous Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar for Diwali shopping. Enjoy Rajasthani folk performances, including dance and puppet shows, and watch the palaces and forts illuminated for Diwali.
Top Attractions: Johari Bazaar, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, World Trade Park, Gaurav Tower, Albert Hall, Akshardham Temple, Chaura Rasta.
How to Reach: Jaipur International Airport is well-connected, and the city has frequent train services.
4. Udaipur – ‘City of Lakes’
The royal city of Udaipur is one of the best places to celebrate the festive period of Diwali. During the Diwali festival, the city is decorated with lights, and the skies are illuminated by floating lamps leaving a reflection on the Pichola Lake. Devotees pay respect to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi at the Mahalaxmi Temple in Bhatiyani Chohatta by performing the puja or rituals.
Udaipur Light Festival is organized by Government each year to celebrate Diwali in a royal style with various singers, and DJs across genres, fun activities, food stalls, and a lot more memories. Govardhan Puja is also celebrated a day after Diwali to enjoy the victory of Lord Krishna over Indra, the God of Lightning.
Things to Do: Attend the Diwali festivities along Lake Pichola, where palaces and ghats are adorned with lights. Enjoy boat rides in the lit-up lakes, explore local markets, and dine in lakeside restaurants to experience the beauty of Diwali reflections on the water.
Top Attractions: Pichola Lake, City Palace, The Lake Palace, Mahalaxmi Temple, Sajjangarh Palace, Bada Bazaar.
How to Reach: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is well-connected, and trains run from major Indian cities.
5. Amritsar – ‘The Golden Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas’
Amritsar, known for the Golden Temple is one of the best places to visit during Diwali. The Golden temple looks extremely stunning decorated with lanterns and light with pleasant weather. The entire edge of Sarovar is illuminated with sparkling candles and oil lamps signifying the festival of lights.
The Sikh community celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas in the honor of their sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib who returned from a prison where he had been wrongfully imprisoned for his beliefs. Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by singing special prayers at temples, decorating homes and temples with colorful lights, having a large feast, and exchanging gifts.
Things to Do: Celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from imprisonment. Visit the Golden Temple to witness it illuminated with thousands of lights, attend the langar (community meal), and enjoy the grand fireworks display.
Top Attractions: Golden Temple, Wagah border, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Gobindgarh Fort, Attari Border Crossing, etc.
How to Reach: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport serves Amritsar, and the city has a major railway station.
6. Kolkata – ‘Attend Kali Puja Celebration’
Kolkata, the city of joy is famous for the Durga Puja and Kali Puja during Diwali month. Kali Puja is one of the most important festivals for Bengalis, celebrated attractively with offerings including meat, fish, sweets, and red hibiscus flowers.
Kolkata is lit up with diyas, lamps, candles, and bright lights, giving life to the city. A huge number of devotees worship at temples including Kalighat, Belur Math, and Dakhineshwar temple. The city looks completely different during the festive season, everything is lit up and illuminated.
Things to Do: Participate in Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshipped with grand rituals, lights, and fireworks. Visit famous temples and pandals (temporary shrines), especially the ones in Kalighat, Dakshineswar, and Ballygunge. Explore the beautifully lit markets and attend cultural performances.
Top Attractions: Dakshineshwar Temple, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Kalighat, etc.
How to Reach: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport, and Kolkata has a well-connected railway network.
7. Goa – ‘Famous for the Naraka Chaturdashi Procession’
The city of Goa is another beautiful destination to visit during the Diwali festival. The people in Goa celebrate Diwali on Naraka Chaturdashi, believing that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura who terrorized the village and people over there. The local crowd enjoys burning the effigies of Narakasura, representing well over evil.
Houses are decorated with colorful Rangoli patterns made of colored powder and rice along with bright lights and lanterns. Enjoy the delicious Diwali cuisines during the festival season gives a whole vibe. Taking a Diwali vacation with your family would be a whole dazzling and memorable
Things to Do: Celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, where effigies of the demon Narakasura are burnt as part of Diwali festivities. Participate in beachside celebrations, and enjoy Goa’s famous night markets lit up with Diwali decorations.
Top Attractions: Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, etc.
How to Reach: Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport, and the state is accessible by trains from major cities.
8. Delhi – ‘Attend Carnival and Diwali Fair’
Delhi, the capital of India is an amazing destination to celebrate Diwali Vacations. The five-day celebration starts with the Dhanteras and ends on Bhai Dooj. The city is lit up with various types of lights, lamps, and vibrant decorative items. One can enjoy exploring the special Diwali markets and fairs. The Diwali market that takes place at Dilli Haat is a popular market to buy handicrafts, clothes, bags, floating candles, lights, and much more.
During Diwali, people exchange gifts and sweets with their family & friend and get together wearing new traditional clothes to celebrate the festival with fun. You can head to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara where Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas, a Sikh festival where you can enjoy delicious langar and the beautiful atmosphere with lightning.
Things to Do: Attend Diwali Melas (fairs) across the city, offering traditional handicrafts, festive foods, and cultural performances. Enjoy fireworks displays and visit famous temples like Akshardham, Birla Mandir, and Jhandewalan to see them beautifully illuminated.
Top Attractions: Bangla Sahib, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Chandni Chowk Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, etc.
How to Reach: Indira Gandhi International Airport connects Delhi to international and domestic locations, and the city has major railway stations.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India?
Some of the best places to experience Diwali are Varanasi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Ayodhya, and Delhi due to their unique celebrations.
2. What makes Varanasi special for Diwali?
In Varanasi, Diwali is celebrated with grand Ganga Aarti, lighting thousands of diyas along the river banks, and vibrant fireworks over the Ganges River.
3. How is Diwali celebrated in Jaipur?
Jaipur decorates its iconic pink city with lights. Major markets and monuments glow, and there are fairs, food stalls, and Diwali shopping events.
4. What is unique about Diwali in Amritsar?
In Amritsar, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple, where the temple glows with lights and fireworks reflect in the surrounding water.
5. Why is Ayodhya a popular Diwali destination?
Ayodhya is known as Lord Rama’s birthplace and celebrates Diwali with deepotsav, where thousands of diyas are lit along the Saryu River in honor of his return.
6. What is Diwali like in Udaipur?
Udaipur’s palaces and lakes are illuminated, with the City Palace hosting fireworks, cultural programs, and candle-lit boat rides on Lake Pichola.
7. How does Delhi celebrate Diwali?
Delhi celebrates with colorful markets, festive food, and temple visits. Key temples and sites light up, and people enjoy the Diwali Mela and fireworks.
8. Why is Diwali special in Kolkata?
In Kolkata, Diwali is celebrated alongside Kali Puja with grand rituals, lighting up the city, and worshiping Goddess Kali.
9. What’s unique about Diwali in Pushkar?
Pushkar hosts a colorful camel fair during Diwali, with cultural events, local crafts, and camel races that draw visitors.
10. Are there eco-friendly celebrations in some cities?
Yes, cities like Mumbai and Bangalore are focusing more on eco-friendly practices, with LED decorations and community events to reduce pollution.
11. Which city is known for shopping during Diwali?
Mumbai is popular for its Diwali markets and bazaars, offering festive deals, decorations, sweets, and gifts.
12. What makes Diwali at Mysore Palace special?
The Mysore Palace is decorated with thousands of lights, creating a stunning view. People enjoy cultural performances, and the entire city celebrates with grandeur.
13. Is Diwali celebrated differently in Goa?
Yes, Goa celebrates Diwali by burning Narakasura effigies early in the morning, symbolizing the defeat of evil, followed by festive gatherings and temple visits.
14. What are family-friendly places to celebrate Diwali?
Cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Amritsar offer family-friendly celebrations with fairs, cultural events, and beautiful lights.
15. Are there any quiet places to enjoy Diwali away from crowds?
For a quieter experience, try rural areas around Udaipur or hill stations like Mussoorie, where Diwali is celebrated traditionally, but less crowded.
