Diwali is almost here and the festive spirit has taken all over! The vibrant festival of lights is celebrated with full gusto across the country and each place has its own unique way of celebrating. So, if you wish to witness the diverse and unique charm of Diwali festivities across India, then you cannot miss out on the magical celebration at these eight places across the country. Intrigued? Scroll on to know more!
8 Best Places For Diwali Celebration In India
1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Nothing can beat the allure of Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram! Legend has it that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya, with Maa Sita and Lakshman, after spending 14 years of exile and killing Ravan. To celebrate the occasion, the people of Ayodhya gathered together and lit up the city with diyas to welcome the lord back home. Today, to celebrate the grand festival, millions of diyas are lit up on the banks of River Saryu and Ram Lilas are organised at Ram Katha Park and Ram Ki Paidi. Devotees from all over the world come to witness the grand celebration in the city and it is truly an experience you should all experience once in your life.
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2. Amritsar, Punjab
Diwali in Amritsar is a sight for sore eyes! Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Diwas because the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was freed from imprisonment on this day. The day is celebrated with full enthusiasm, especially in the Golden Temple. The gurdwara is decked to the nines with vibrant lights and fireworks take over the skies! Diyas and lights are also decorated around the Amrit Sarovar tank and thousands of devotees visit the Golden Temple on this day to witness the beautiful celebration and seek blessings.
3. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata truly turns into the City of Joy during the Kali Puja celebration. Massive pandals are installed across the city to commemorate and celebrate the victory of Goddess Kali over the demon Mahishasura. Devotees flock to the beautifully decorated temples like Kalighat Temple, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar Temple in the city to seek Maa Kali’s blessings. Famous tourist hotspots like Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial are also brightly lit up on the occasion.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Diwali celebrations in Varanasi, the ultimate pilgrimage spot, are an experience like none other! The ghats are filled with millions of diyas and colours and the Ganga aarti during this time turns into a whole different experience. However, the real festivities in this city begin around 15 days after the festival of lights, during Dev Diwali. Just as the name suggests, the Diwali of the Lord commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. On this occasion, Varanasi sees thousands of diyas floating in the Ganga river and processions of deities from different city temples moving towards the ghats to celebrate the day.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Diwali in Jaipur is truly a royal affair! The city is illuminated with bright lights and colourful decorations and the markets are flooded with people. The celebration in the city has a grand yet traditional touch with fireworks being an important part of the festivities. Major landmarks like the City Palace and Hawa Mahal are also beautifully adorned with Rajasthani decor items and lights on this day.
6. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
If you’re looking to experience a quieter and spiritual Diwali celebration, then head to Madurai! Deepavali celebrations are an important part of the city’s cultural calendar and Meenakshi Temple is the best place to be during the festivities. The temple complex is lit with diyas and special rituals and prayers take place during the festival.
7. Goa
Goa is always an amazing getaway destination but during Diwali, the place is truly spectacular! The people here celebrate Diwali by burning effigies of Narakasura to signify the annihilation of the demon at the hands of Lord Krishna. These effigies are so amazingly built and competitions are held to see who makes the biggest and boldest demon effigy. They are then burnt on the day of Narakasura Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali.
8. Puri, Odisha
While Odisha similarly celebrates Diwali to the rest of the country, a few traditions in the state stand out. People in the state perform a unique ritual called Bada Badua Daka to seek blessings from their forefathers. Devotees gather around the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri and burn jute sticks called kaunriya kathis. They point these sticks towards the sky to pray to their ancestors and seek blessings from them.
So, where would you like to experience Diwali this year? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr & X/@TheVikasKhanna
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