Diwali is one such festival that lights up everyone’s mood! The positivity and goodness around this festival is absolutely pure and beautiful. The festival celebrates truth and victory of light over darkness. On this day, the whole country gets into the festive mood and celebrates the festival of light by performing Laxmi puja, exchanging gifts and lighting their houses.
Given India’s diversity, every city and state has its own way of celebrating Diwali. So let’s have a at some of those cities that turn into a dreamland on Diwali:
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, one of the most ancient Indian cities, has its unique way of celebrating Diwali. The place is a sight to behold with millions of lights and diyas. The day begins with Ganga snan ritual and ends up with lighting diyas on the ghats. A number of people visit Varanasi to witness the famous Ganga aarti which is truly a charming sight.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
The charming city of lakes turns all majestic with glowing diyas and colourful lights. The reflection of the grand palaces covered in shimmering lights cast a spell on onlookers. At night, fireworks create some splendid photo opportunities.
Kolkata, West Bengal
The Pink City is all about shopping and decor on Diwali. If you decide to visit Jaipur during the festival of light, you’ll be mesmerised with the hustle-bustle and the beautifully lit markets. The cultural shows and folk performances take over the streets which is quite an experience.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Pink City is all about shopping and decor on Diwali. If you decide to visit Jaipur during the festival of light, you’ll be mesmerised with the hustle-bustle and the beautifully lit markets. The cultural shows and folk performances take over the streets which is quite an experience.
Goa
Goa has its own fun way of celebrating the day of lights. If you’re in Goa on Diwali, you’ll get to witness the Narakasura ritual. It is the ritual that celebrates the end of Narakasura (demon) by Lord Krishna. Every Diwali, a scary effigy of the demon is made and then burned. Gambling is also a big part of Diwali celebrations in Goa given the city’s casino culture.
Purishwadi, Maharashtra
Purushwadi is a small village on a hill along the Mumbai-Nashik highway. For those who wish to have an offbeat Diwali experience, Purushwadi is the best place to be. On the day of Diwali, residents of this beautiful town light a bonfire and cook food together. People then invite each household to pour oil into their lamps. Now this is called an unique experience!
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
One of the holiest cities, Ayodhya celebrates Diwali like no other city does. The day marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile with Sita and Laksham. The whole city gets lit up with diyas and colourful electric bulbs to celebrate the day. In 2020, the city made it to the Guinness Book of World Record for lighting 5.84 lakh diyas!
Amritsar, Punjab
Diwali is magical in Amritsar! The day holds a great significance for the Sikh community and the Golden Temple turns all the more golden. The entire structure is decorated with brightly lit diyas in the evening making it an extravagant spectacle. Photographers can’t stop taking the pictures of the reflection of the lights on the holy waters of the pond.
