The Most Beautiful Places in India to Celebrate Diwali

This year, Diwali is November 14th. Diwali is a festival of new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated all over India. Here are just some of the places that celebrate Diwali with extra flair.

November 11, 2020

By: Lucy Sherriff

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What is Diwali?

Diwali is a five day-long festival of lights. Dhanteras occurs on day one, which is the worshipping of Lord Dhanvantari and includes burning lamps — or diyas — all night long. On day two, Roop Chaudas takes place, which is a celebration of beauty and sees women applying henna. Lakshmi Puja, which is carried out on a full moon night, and devotees worship the goddess of wealth, is day three. Govardhan Puja, on day four, is when devotees prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian food to Bhagwan (God) Shri Krishna, while day five, Bhai Duj, or Dooj, is the celebration of love between brother and sister.

Udaipur

The breathtaking lantern festival at Udaipur, also known as the “City of Lakes,” attracts thousands every year. Udaipur, which is situated in the western state of Rajasthan, first held the festival around six years ago and the Udaipur Light Festival is now a regular favorite for both locals and travelers alike. It’s one of the most spectacular events in the city’s calendar, and thousands of lanterns are lit and released into the sky to float across the lakes. Although this year won’t be the same due to coronavirus issues, the lanterns will still be visible for miles around — and it’s definitely one to put on the bucket list for the future.

Kolkata

Here in the “City of Joy”, neighborhoods come alive with fireworks, candles, lamps, and diyas, while locals offer gifts up to the Goddess Kali--everything from meat and fish to flowers and sweets. Intricate light displays showcasing village scenery, animals, and Gods are a testament to the amount of time and effort the city’s residents put into their celebrations. River cruises offer a chance to see the firecrackers and the city all lit up.

Varanasi

Varanasi goes one step further and also has a Dev Deepvali celebration, which translates to the Diwali of the Gods. This is when the gods and goddesses are thought to visit the Earth for a dip in the river. Pilgrims travel from all over the world to immerse themselves in the Ganges. Huge feasts are held and thousands of clay lamps glitter on the city’s steps in a stunning, mesmerizing spectacle.

Jaipur

Musicians playing folk music and beautiful shopping markets lit up in a myriad of colors await visitors to Jaipur, the “City of Pedals.” The city has a tradition of celebrating Diwali over the full five days. Over the five day stretch, buildings, shops, and marketplaces are adorned with lights, traditionally with homemade clay lanterns, called diya.

Goa

In Goa, locals celebrate the defeat of the demon Narkasur. It’s a common sight to witness large figures of this demon parading the streets, often filled with fireworks. The effigies are made using straw and paper and are burnt at dawn. Gifts of sweets and food are handed out and colorful patterns, known as rangoli, are laid out on the streets using colored powder and rice, which is thought to bring good luck.