Best places to celebrate Diwali 2024 in India

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Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India, and it’s a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. While it is primarily believed that it marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after slaying Ravan, the demon king of Lanka, there are some different iterations to the story across the country. Nevertheless, it is a time of celebration, and festive cheer runs rampant in the streets all across the country. While Diwali celebrations are fun with your family and friends, you might crave a getaway too, for enjoying the festival of lights in a new location has its own perks.

10 best places in India to celebrate Diwali

1. Varanasi
2. Amritsar
3. Jaipur
4. Udaipur
5. Kolkata
6. Goa
7. Gujarat
8. Ayodhya
9. Delhi
10. Mumbai

1. Varanasi

Diwali celebrations vary across India, but some of the most popular celebrations take place in Varanasi, especially in Assi Ghat.

While the nightly Ganga aarti can evoke awe and wonder, the Diwali celebrations along the banks of the holy river are a surreal experience. With diyas and lights covering your entire field of vision, the experience is further heightened by processions of various Hindu deities, and of course, the never ending barrage of fireworks.

Another intriguing phenomenon happens after about two weeks after Diwali. Known as Dev Deepawali, this tradition is unique to Varanasi to mark the triumph of Lord Shiva over a demon named Tripurasur. On this day, the Ganges ghats are also rife with devotees, lights, candles, and religious fervor. 

2. Amritsar

In Amritsar, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, Diwali is celebrated with religious fervor as it holds a special significance in the heart of the Sikh community. The 6th Guru of the religion, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, was released from prison on this day in 1619. To mark this momentous occasion, people come together to light lamps and perform puja (devotional prayers) at the Harmandir Sahib. 

This is followed by a colorful parade through the streets of Amritsar, culminating at the Golden Temple. During the night, people also visit other local temples to offer prayers. There are also fireworks displays and concerts in various parts of Amritsar on this special day, adding new spark and zest to an already colorful city, making it one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India.

3. Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is also one of the most popular cities to celebrate Diwali in India. The city is well-known for its splendid palaces, forts, and gardens, which can all be perfect destinations for celebrating royal Diwali in Jaipur. The best place to start your celebrations is at one of the many traditional festival markets, such as the Chandpole market or the Jantar Mantar market. Here you can find lanterns, sweets, and other traditional Indian delicacies. 

For a quieter and more introspective time, visit one of the many lakes in the city, such as Man Sagar Lake or Maota Lake. Here you can watch firecrackers being set off and admire their beautiful reflection across the mirror-like surface of the lake. It is also an ideal spot to enjoy a festive meal. You can even partake in many tours around the city, and observe the pink city decked in yellow for a night.

4. Udaipur

Udaipur boasts a lot more than just grand palaces and picturesque lakes. And this underrated charm comes to the fore during Diwali celebrations. The city dwellers fly sky lamps as well as fireworks, leaving quite an impression on the viewer. You can also observe these festivities in all their glory along the banks of Lake Pichola. It is also home to the vibrant Udaipur Lantern Festival, a yearly occurrence where local artists take the stage to show off their supreme talent, and visitors can partake in lip-smacking snacks in the various stalls all across the city. Of course, the Udaipur Palace is also not to be missed — decked in a multitude of lights, looking ethereal.

If you have time for a short detour, don’t miss out on visiting Nathdwara, a small neighboring town that is home to a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This intriguing variety makes Udaipur one of the best places to visit to celebrate Diwali in India.

5. Kolkata

Diwali is a time of grand celebration in the city of joy, but for different reasons. While in northern parts of the country, it signifies Lord Ram’s return to his kingdom, in Kolkata, it marks the triumph of Goddess Kali over an army of demons. With this marked cultural difference, you are guaranteed to have a very intriguing and memorable time in this city. Here are a few popular destinations where you can go to immerse yourself in the festive spirit:

• BBD Bagh – Located near Dhaka University, BBD Bagh is a well-known spot for cultural events and Diwali celebrations. The park has a wide range of visitor facilities, including a cricket ground, a children’s play area, and a large open space perfect for hosting large-scale fireworks displays.
• Howrah Bridge- One of the oldest surviving bridges in India, Howrah Bridge is also famously known as the “Gateway to Kolkata”. The structure is decorated with lights and flowers during Diwali festivities.

Lastly, by simply taking a walk around the city’s streets, you come across countless Puja pandals with decorations and statues of Goddess Kali. Apart from the decoration, the local cuisine is also something not to be missed, making Kolkata one of the best places to celebrate Diwali.

6. Goa

In Goa, the celebration of Diwali is as special as Christmas, signifying the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narkasura. Here are some of the best places to celebrate this festival in Goa:

• Panjim- The city is filled with traditional architecture and has a long history dating back to the time of the Portuguese. There are a number of temples and churches in Panjim that are popular destinations for tourists during Diwali.
• Margao- One of the oldest and most famous towns in Goa, Margao is home to a large number of temples and churches that are popular destinations for tourists during Diwali. There are also a number of restaurants and shops located in Margao that cater to pilgrims visiting these places during this holiday season.
• Floating Casinos- Any visit to Goa without indulging in a bit of decadence is simply not done, even if it’s Diwali. Make sure you visit the various casino boats throughout the city to visit a different kind of extravaganza during this auspicious day.

7. Gujarat

Although Diwali celebrations in Gujarat are as flashy and pompous as Navratri, it is also home to a unique and quaint experience. If you are not a fan of loud crackers and pollution caused by fireworks, head over to Dangs, a small, rural community situated about 270 kilometers from Vadodara. Thriving on tourism, the village folk are very warm and welcoming, proud to show their eco-friendly approach to the festival of lights. All products used in the festivities are organic and natural, derived from the forests and verdant fields near the village. A delicious local meal and some art shows are the perfect icings on the cake.

8. Ayodhya 

Ayodhya is Lord Ram’s birthplace, and his return here brought about the Diwali tradition in north India. Considered the most auspicious day of the Hindu calendar, lakhs of people come together to light lamps and celebrate the festival with music and dance in Ayodhya. The city has even entered the Guinness book of world records for lighting the most lamps on this occasion. Since this is the place of origin of the festival, expect huge fireworks displays and people dressed up in colorful costumes. You can also visit numerous religious temples and even witness the construction of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya, a massive undertaking on Ram Janmabhoomi, considered the birthplace of the beloved deity and king. Overall, the religious fervor in Ayodhya during Diwali is incomparable and must be witnessed firsthand.

Honorable Mentions

Apart from these destinations, the metropolitan cities of Delhi and Mumbai also deserve an honorable mention.

9. Delhi

A Diwali fireworks show at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or witnessing the traditional burning of the effigy of Ravan is not to be missed. Don’t forget to recharge yourself with amazing sweets and savories in the markets of Old Delhi to round off the experience.

10. Mumbai

The beach is one of the biggest attractions of the financial capital, and the city uses it to its advantage during Diwali. Witness a neverending stream of fireworks along the shores of Girgaum Chowpatty, or sit along Marine Drive and take in the bright vistas of the city, with a multitude of fireworks casting a beautiful glow on the surface of the Arabian Sea. 

Conclusion

If you want to pack your bags and go to a new place this festive season, you can book Diwali Special Tour Packages to celebrate Diwali this year with your loved ones. It is also a golden opportunity to learn about unique cultures, take in breathtaking sights, indulge in exquisite food and drink, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of different regions.