Given that India is a multicultural country, there are many different ways to celebrate Diwali. Some people refer to it as Lakshmi Puja, others as Kali Puja, and still others refer to it as the festival of North India.
Everyone celebrates Diwali, but its social significance remains the same regardless of how they do it. If you’re unsure of where to go to experience Diwali in India at its best, the list of top Diwali celebration locations provided below may help you make wiser decisions and determine the best location to take in this celebration of light and success.
Best Places to Celebrate Diwali in India:
Varanasi
Diwali celebrations take place all over India, but some of the biggest ones are in Varanasi, particularly in Assi Ghat. Even though the nightly Ganga aarti could really inspire a sense of awe, the Diwali celebrations held along the banks of the sacred river are an unreal occasion. Diyas and lights fill your entire range of vision, processions of different Hindu gods, and then, of course, the never-ending barrage of fireworks, all add to the experience’s awe-inspiring quality. After Diwali has passed for about two weeks, another intriguing phenomenon occurs. This Varanasi-only custom, known as Dev Deepawali, commemorates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demonic Tripurasur. The Ganges ghats are crowded with worshippers, lamps, candles, and religious fervour on this day.
Jaipur
During Diwali, the Pink City of Jaipur takes on serene yellow hues. Every location in Jaipur, from royal palaces to markets, is decked out with glistening lights to enlighten the Diwali spirit. To celebrate the holiday season, brilliant lights are used to adorn structures such as building structures, palaces, forts, markets, homes, and tourist destinations. It’s quite a sight for the eyes to see all the flashing lights. If you decide to celebrate Diwali in Jaipur, you may be interested to know that the city hosts a lot of Diwali tours that you can sign up for. By lighting up every part of the city, the city knows how to rejoice in the festival of lights best.
Tamil Nadu
The Deepavali celebrations in Tamil Nadu start with an oil bath, followed by a thorough cleaning of the entire house and the decoration of it with vibrant kolam rangolis made from either dry or wet powdered rice. Candles or earthen lamps are placed on the edges of the homes in the evening to provide lighting for the structures. Few places draw large crowds to pray on such an eventful day, including the Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram, the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, as well as the Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirappalli. After the oil bath, there are celebrations that include blowing crackers, donning new clothes, and feasting on South Indian specialities like polis, ukkarai, vella appam, and jangir. So if you’re looking to spend this Diwali surrounded by the unique culture of the Tamilians, you should visit Tamil Nadu.
Udaipur
There are many more attractions in Udaipur than just opulent palaces and lovely lakes. And Diwali celebrations are when this underappreciated charm really shines. Sky lamps and fireworks are flown by city dwellers, making a strong impression on the audience. Along the shores of Lake Pichola, you can also catch a glimpse of these celebrations in all their splendour. Additionally, it is the location of the vivacious Udaipur Lantern Festival, an annual event where local artists perform on stage to showcase their extraordinary talent and guests can indulge in mouthwatering treats at the many stalls located throughout the city. The Udaipur Palace, which is illuminated with numerous lights and appears enigmatic, is also a must-see.
Amritsar
Diwali, which has a special meaning in the hearts of the Sikh community, is honoured with religious fervour in Amritsar, the city where Guru Nanak was born. People gather to conduct puja (devotional prayers) and light lamps at the Harmandir Sahib to commemorate Diwali as such a significant occasion. A vibrant parade that culminates at the Golden Temple and then proceeds through the roads of Amritsar. People also go to other nearby temples at night to pray there. Amritsar is one of the best cities in India to celebrate Diwali because of the fireworks displays and musical performances that take place on this special day throughout the city.
