Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It’s a time when homes, streets, and cities are illuminated with oil lamps, and everyone comes together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
If you’re exploring India Holiday Packages, here is the list of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India that promise an unforgettable experience.
List Of Best Places To Visit In Diwali Vacation In India
Experience the best Diwali in India at the following places:
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is a place that defines spirituality in India. During Diwali, this ancient city transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle. The ghats along the Ganges River are illuminated with thousands of small lamps (diyas), creating a magical scene.
The Diwali celebration in Varanasi offers the sight of the lamps floating on the river, accompanied by the sound of evening prayers (Ganga Aarti), making it one of the special places to celebrate Diwali in India.
The celebrations in Varanasi are deeply rooted in tradition, and for many, it’s the most spiritual and the best place to celebrate Diwali in India.
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Want to witness the best Diwali in india? Head to Jaipur! Known as the Pink City, Jaipur comes alive during Diwali with its markets, streets, and palaces decked out in lights.
Walking through the lit-up bazaars is an experience in itself, and the special decorations at iconic spots like the Hawa Mahal and City Palace make it one of the must-visit places for Diwali festival.
Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are two spots where you can enjoy the festive energy while shopping for traditional Diwali items.
For those wondering where to celebrate Diwali in India, Rajasthan Tour Packages offer the chance to explore Jaipur’s perfect blend of royalty and festivity.
Amritsar is another place to enjoy the most unique and the best Diwali in India. Along with the traditional Diwali festivities, the city also observes Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival. The Golden Temple is lit up beautifully with oil lamps and candles, creating a divine ambiance.
Seeing the reflection of the illuminated temple on the holy water of the Sarovar (lake) is a beautiful sight. Amritsar is one of the great places to celebrate Diwali in India if you want to experience a blend of Hindu and Sikh traditions.
4. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, has deep connections with Diwali. According to legend, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after defeating Ravana, and the city was lit up to welcome him.
Today, Ayodhya celebrates Diwali with a grand event called “Deepotsav.” Millions of diyas are lit along the banks of the Sarayu River, and the entire city sparkles with light.
It is one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India for enthusiasts who want to witness a traditional, large-scale celebration.
Kolkata is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India. It offers a different flavour to Diwali with its focus on Kali Puja, a festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, which coincides with Diwali. The temples of Kolkata, especially the famous Dakshineswar and Kalighat, are decked beautifully, and the entire city celebrates with lights and firecrackers.
If you want a unique twist to the traditional Festival of Lights, Kolkata is one of the places to celebrate the best Diwali in India.
Rajasthan is one of the most popular Diwali celebration states in India. Known for its beautiful palaces and serene lakes, Udaipur becomes even more magical during Diwali.
The City Palace and the banks of Lake Pichola are lit up, creating a stunning reflection in the water. Udaipur offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop for the Diwali festivities, perfect for those who want to celebrate in a royal yet serene environment. It is one of the top places to celebrate Diwali in India.
For those who enjoy a fast-paced city vibe, the best Diwali celebration in India can be seen in Mumbai. From fireworks lighting up the sky along Marine Drive to the beautiful decorations at iconic temples like Siddhivinayak, Mumbai celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm.
The streets are filled with festive shoppers, and the Diwali fairs around the city are packed with food, games, and shopping stalls. If you want a vibrant urban Diwali celebration idea, Mumbai is a great choice. It is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India.
In southern India, Diwali is called Deepavali, and Madurai offers a special experience. The Meenakshi Temple is at the heart of the festivities here, and the celebrations are more traditional and devotional.
Special rituals, prayers, and the lighting of lamps take place in the temple complex, making it a significant religious Diwali celebration in India. Madurai is an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter, more spiritually focused places to celebrate Diwali in India.
Delhi is always buzzing with activity, but during Diwali, the energy goes up to another level. From the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk to the grand Diwali melas that happen all over the city, Delhi offers a wide range of Diwali events in India.
The temples, especially Akshardham and Laxminarayan, are lit up beautifully, creating a peaceful yet festive atmosphere. For a complete Diwali experience, from traditional rituals to modern celebrations, Delhi is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Diwali vacation in India.
Pushkar, famous for its annual camel fair, also celebrates Diwali in a unique way. The small town’s simplicity adds to its charm, and the celebration is more intimate compared to bigger cities.
The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by lamps, and the town’s temples host special prayers and rituals. If you’re looking for laid-back and traditional places to celebrate Diwali in India, Pushkar offers an offbeat yet delightful option.
In Which State Diwali Is Celebrated Most Joyfully?
Among all Diwali celebration states in India, Uttar Pradesh stands out as the most significant destination. The state hosts the grandest celebrations, from the spiritual Diwali celebration in Varanasi along the sacred Ganges ghats to Ayodhya's record-breaking Deepotsav with millions of diyas.
These places to celebrate Diwali in India offer unmatched traditional experiences rooted in ancient mythology and spirituality.
While Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Punjab also celebrate magnificently, Uttar Pradesh's deep historical connections to Lord Rama's story and its spectacular riverside celebrations make it India's premier Diwali destination for authentic, large-scale festivities.