India is filled with festivals and one such eventful time of the year is during the fall. The month of October and November witness Durga Puja and Diwali celebrations.
It is one of the most holistic and famous festivals in India. Chances are you will get to witness Indian traditions if you are visiting India during this season.
Almost every state in India celebrates this eventful festival. And if you are wondering where you can visit to witness Diwali, we will mention some of the best places to visit in India during Diwali.
But what is Diwali? It is the celebration of togetherness and life, a festival of lights. Legends have it that on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana who had captured his wife, Sita. But that is not all. There are many reasons why Diwali is celebrated.
In south India, it is believed that on this day, the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna. While in the western parts of India, Diwali is celebrated because Lord Vishnu sent the demon King Bali to rule the underworld.
In a general sense, this festival is also celebrated as marking the last harvest before the onset of winter.
Hyderabad
Boasting its idealistic ambience, serene weather and beautiful Char Minar, Hyderabad turns more beautiful during Diwali. It is one of the best cities in India for Diwali celebrations. The city is lit across markets and iconic attractions. It embraces old architecture and modern buildings. If you plan for a trip to Hyderabad, make sure to visit during Diwali.
Varanasi
One of the oldest and holiest cities in India always makes a statement during Diwali. The entire ghat across the Ganga River is decorated with diyas and lights. If you plan to celebrate Diwali in Varanasi, you will be greeted with a holistic ambience, Ganga aarti by the ghats and colourful rangolis.
Delhi
The capital city is lit with lights throughout the month. It is one of the best places to visit during Diwali. Here, the markets and temples are garlands with flowers and fairy lights. The markets fill with trinkets and other festive souvenirs. Delhi during Diwali is certainly one of the busiest and most exciting places to visit.
Kolkata
The former capital of India, Kolkata is well known for its Durga Puja celebrations. And this festive fever stretches till Diwali. The entire city holds whatever they are doing and partake in festivity. Diwali in Kolkata is exciting with tons of bustling markets and colourful ambience.
Goa
Although Goa may not be super hyped during Diwali, it celebrates equality as other states. The state is sprinkled with fairy lights and firecrackers during such an auspicious Hindu festival. Goa during Diwali witnesses many tourists flocking to the beach. Most of the visitors coming to Goa are simply folks who are escaping from the hustle and bustle of festivity and the mundane work life. It is one of the best times to visit Goa.
Mumbai
Bollywood town of India, Mumbai, the city where dreams come true is certainly a must-visit city in India. During the festival season, the city is decorated with lots of lights and flowers. Millions of people residing in Mumbai come out to celebrate Diwali. An umpteen number of temples perform religious rites and offer blessings.
Madurai
This south Indian city is famous for being called the city of temples and without a doubt, Madurai celebrates Diwali with extravagance and fervour. The city is lit with crackers and fanfare, and people from all over India come to celebrate Diwali in Madurai. Some of the best Diwali events are experiencing gastronomic food and shopping excursions.
Bangalore
Diwali in Bangalore is always delightful. The entire city is lit with diyas and lights, you can feel the presence of Hindu culture everywhere you go. The silicon valley of India has lush greenery and tons of lively places to visit. So if you are in Bangalore during Diwali, make sure to explore MG Road, which is one of the best shopping places in the city.
FAQ
Almost every state celebrates Diwali in India, but the most famous places you can visit during Diwali are Varanasi, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Udaipur and Delhi.
Delhi hosts festive events, fairs and bazaars. Most of the neighbourhoods in Delhi organise melas with Ferris wheels and all sorts of activities and food.
The festival usually lasts for five days during the lunisolar month of Kartika i.e. between the months of mid-October and mid-November.
