Did you know that thousands of foreigners visit India on the festival of Diwali? And those tourists go to specific places or cities in the country to celebrate Diwali in the best way possible. You can do the same if you know about which city or place you should plan to visit the very next Diwali. Sounds great? Well, that’s precisely what we are onto today. Here we will be going over the top 10 best places to celebrate Diwali in India for 2023.
These top places are arguably the best to celebrate this incredibly significant festival of Hindu mythology. So yeah, without wasting any time, let’s get down to the list and virtually explore these places to paint the whole picture of how amazing and grand your next Diwali celebration can be.
You may have heard people say that if you wanna celebrate the best possible Diwali, you must visit Ayodhya, the place where Shree Ram and Lakshman were born. And because of this fact, Ayodhya is actually a very important, significant, and spiritual hub in Hindu mythology. The people of Ayodhya celebrate Diwali with real and never-seen-before grandeur. When you visit Ayodhya on the day of Diwali, you’ll find yourself dazzled with beautiful lights and decorations, which are literally everywhere. Because of this, literally, every corner of the city is full of lights, and not a single place where you’ll see darkness. And among all the places, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is something you must visit if you are making plans for Ayodhya to celebrate your next Diwali.
Varanasi aka Kashi is arguably the oldest city, not just in India but around the globe. Since Diwali is the most significant and important festival in Sanatan Dharm, that’s why the celebration in the most holy city of India will surely leave you mesmerized. At the time of Laxmi pooja in Varanasi, you must make your way to the sacred River Ganges Ghats. That’s because there is a real celebration going on. You’ll see thousands of diyas (oil lamps) floating in River Ganges, and that will be a sight you’ll remember forever because of how beautiful that looks. Apart from that, the Ganga Aarti performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is another major highlight of Diwali celebrations in this oldest and most holy city of India. You’ll feel the electrifying environment there because of the thousands of people celebrating Diwali together at the same place and at the same time.
Have you ever thought about celebrating Diwali in the heart of Sikh culture, in the city of Amritsar? When Diwali springs in Amritsar, the whole city lights up in joy, with the Golden Temple gleaming, adorned with radiant lights. The Temple, a marvel in itself, becomes a sight to behold during Diwali. Thousands of lamps paint the Temple and its reflection in the Sarovar (holy water tank) is nothing short of enchanting. You'll find yourself drawn to the sight of the Golden Temple, shining like a beacon in the dark. Diwali here means more than just lights - you'll see the traditional Sikh martial arts "Gatka," performed by skillful Nihang warriors, taking you on a journey through the martial history of the Sikh community. And if you're in the Golden Temple, you must not miss the Langar, a free kitchen serving meals to everyone, irrespective of their background.
Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," or the "Venice of the East," has a unique charm that gets even more captivating during Diwali. As Diwali rolls around, the palaces and havelis don an ethereal aura with thousands of lights, making it a visual delight. The tradition of floating diyas on the lakes during Diwali is something you must see. Imagine thousands of lamps dancing on the serene waters of Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar as the sun sets, creating a dazzling spectacle. And when the night falls, the city skies light up with a spectacular fireworks display that's bound to leave you mesmerized.
Your quest for royal Diwali celebrations should bring you to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City. Jaipur's iconic structures like the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amer Fort are all decked up in dazzling lights, painting a mesmerizing picture against the dark sky. As you make your way through the bustling markets, such as the famous Johari Bazaar, you'll be wrapped in an exciting flurry of activity, with colorful decorations and stalls selling traditional clothes, jewelry, sweets, and decorative items. Don't miss out on the rising trend of releasing sky lanterns during Diwali. This is sort of a tradition in Jaipur where every year people release thousands of sky lanterns at the same time which light up the whole sky.
If you're looking for a twist to your usual Diwali celebrations, then you gotta visit Goa. You know how you've seen diyas floating in a river? Well, in Goa, you'll see lit lamps riding the waves of the Arabian Sea. And imagine the night sky lighting up with fireworks, right over the sea, it's like magic. And if that's not enough, you should check out the Diwali carnivals and fairs. You'll find street performances, live bands, dance shows, and food stalls, giving you the most joyous celebration of the Festival of Lights. There's also a unique tradition here, called Narak Chaturdashi, where effigies of the demon Narakasura are burnt, it's all about the triumph of good over evil.
Known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata celebrates Diwali, or as it's called here, Kali Puja, with grandeur and flair. When you see the streets, markets, and buildings all decked up with colorful lights, you'll feel the city pulsating with the festive spirit. Along with the beautiful lights, the city also hosts various cultural programs like classical dance performances, music concerts, and theatrical shows, you name it. And let's not forget about the vibrant Diwali melas, where you can shop for traditional clothes, jewelry, sweets, and more. When nighttime rolls around at the time of Diwali, the sky lights up with a dazzling display of fireworks, turning the city into a spectacle of colors and patterns.
Ever heard people talk about how if you're seeking a royal Diwali experience, you should pack your bags for Mysore? During Diwali, Mysore turns into a fairy-tale-like spectacle, with its culturally rich traditions, brightly lit palaces, and lively processions. Now, picture the Mysore Palace, an epitome of Indo-Saracenic architecture, bedecked with thousands of lights, creating a spectacle that's simply out of this world. On Diwali night, the palace is lit up in a grand ceremony, drawing thousands of visitors to witness this spellbinding sight. The city witnesses a royal procession called "Jamboo Savari," which is something you must experience. Imagine an elegantly decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the city's protector, through the streets filled with music, dance, and performances.
Mumbai with its fast-paced life and energetic spirit, throws a Diwali party you can't miss. As the festival of lights rolls in, Mumbai transforms into a dazzling wonderland. Iconic landmarks, residential complexes, and commercial buildings get decked up in a brilliant display of lights, making the city's skyline twinkle with radiance. It's a sight you'd want to savor! During Diwali, the city's streets are dressed up with vibrant rangolis, paper lanterns, and decorative lights, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Diwali in Mumbai is not complete without the spectacular fireworks displays at iconic spots like Juhu Beach and Marine Drive. Imagine families and friends gathered together on the beaches, under a sky lit up with fireworks. Sounds enchanting, right?
When it comes to celebrating Diwali in style, Delhi, India's capital and cultural melting pot, doesn't disappoint at all. The city beautifully marries traditional customs with modern festivities during Diwali. Imagine the city glowing with the soft light of diyas and vibrant decorations that sing aloud the spirit of unity and celebration. Now, if you're in Delhi during Diwali, you can't miss the grand processions. The Akshardham Temple holds its own special Diwali celebrations. Here, you'll see devotees thronging to seek blessings and participate in the evening prayers. As the city comes alive with the sound of devotional songs and chants, you'll truly feel the spiritual aura of Diwali.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now, you can pick any specific place or city as per your liking, and you’ll be good for the most. And we can assure you that by doing so, you’ll be able to celebrate Diwali like you have never done.