Diwali, the festival of lights, is India’s most anticipated celebration. It marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Streets shine with diyas, homes feature vibrant rangolis, and fireworks light up the sky. Each region celebrates Diwali with distinct traditions and charm.
If you’re considering traveling during this magical season, these are the best places to celebrate Diwali in India, each promising an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
1. Varanasi – A River of Lights
In Varanasi, Diwali feels larger than life. The ghats along the River Ganges are lined with thousands of oil lamps that flicker beautifully on the water. The evening Ganga Aarti, with its chants, drums, and glowing lamps, creates an atmosphere that is both spiritually uplifting and mesmerizing.
On Dev Deepawali (celebrated a few days after Diwali), the entire riverfront is illuminated with millions of diyas — a tradition unique to Varanasi, where the event is considered a celebration for the gods themselves. Travelers from around the world come to witness this breathtaking sight. If you want Diwali to touch your soul, Varanasi is the place to be.
2. Jaipur – The Pink City in Full Glow
Jaipur takes Diwali to new heights. Markets and palaces glitter with elaborate decorations, and shopkeepers vie for the “best-lit market.” Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and MI Road are must-sees this season.
Head to Nahargarh Fort to see the Pink City aglow beneath the night sky—it looks like a blanket of stars. With shopping, cultural events, and sweets, Jaipur promises a sensory feast.
3. Ayodhya – Ram’s Homecoming
As Lord Rama’s birthplace, Ayodhya holds special meaning during Diwali. Legend says Diwali began here, with Rama’s return after defeating Ravana. Today, the city sets a record-breaking number of diyas along the Sarayu River.
Cultural performances, processions, and grand fireworks make Diwali in Ayodhya one of India’s most spectacular. Here, the festival is not just an event—it is living history.
4. Delhi – A City of Melas and Fireworks
Delhi combines tradition and spectacle. Temples glow, markets bustle, and Diwali Melas attract crowds. India Gate and Connaught Place shine with festive lights.
Delhi is also renowned for its fireworks, although eco-friendly celebrations are increasingly becoming more common. If you enjoy a mix of modern and traditional festivities, Delhi won’t disappoint.
5. Amritsar – Diwali at the Golden Temple
In Amritsar, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas fill the Golden Temple with lights reflecting over water and city-wide fireworks.
Witnessing Diwali at the Golden Temple is a memorable experience—peaceful yet spectacular.
6. Kolkata – Where Diwali Meets Kali Puja
Kolkata celebrates Kali Puja instead of Lakshmi during Diwali, filling streets with idols, pandals, and lively decorations.
Firecrackers, sweets, and illuminated homes keep the festive spirit alive. Experiencing Diwali in Kolkata offers a unique cultural perspective.
7. Goa – Narakasura Effigies and Beachside Fun
Goa begins Diwali with burning effigies of Narakasura, followed by illuminated beaches and lively celebrations across the state.
Goa combines tradition with its coastal charm—beaches and markets twinkle with lights, and the festive cheer extends into every corner of the state. It is ideal for those seeking a vibrant yet relaxed Diwali.
8. Mumbai – Lights Along the Arabian Sea
Mumbai combines family gatherings, community events, and sparkling city lights—especially along Marine Drive, which glows at night.
Temples, housing societies, and Bollywood celebrities add their own sparkle to the city. For those who love big-city excitement with festive charm, Mumbai is a top destination.
9. Udaipur – Royal Diwali by the Lakes
Udaipur’s palaces and havelis reflect in the lakes, glowing with Diwali diyas and lights in every corner.
Lake Pichola becomes the center of celebration, with boats sailing under glowing lanterns and fireworks illuminating the sky. Diwali here feels like stepping into a royal fairy tale.
10. Madurai – A Southern Celebration
In Tamil Nadu, Diwali begins with early prayers and the bursting of firecrackers. In Madurai, temples and lively streets are the center of festivities.
It’s an opportunity to experience Diwali away from the grandeur of the north—simple, yet equally joyful and meaningful.
Tips for Travelers During Diwali
- Book trains and flights early—tickets sell out fast during Diwali.
- Stay close to the main sights to minimize time in heavy traffic.
- Dress modestly in temples and observe local customs.
- Watch fireworks from a safe distance and consider the potential impact on pollution levels.
Conclusion
Diwali in India is more than a festival—it is an experience of joy, light, and togetherness. Whether on the ghats of Varanasi, wandering the markets of Jaipur, or at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, each destination offers something special.
So this Diwali, go beyond the usual celebrations and explore India’s most magical destinations — because the festival of lights is best experienced where it truly comes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diwali in India
Q: Where is Diwali celebrated best in India?
A: Varanasi, Jaipur, and Ayodhya are often considered the best places to celebrate Diwali, thanks to their grand lighting, rituals, and cultural traditions.
Q: Where is the biggest Diwali celebration outside of India?
A: The largest Diwali celebrations outside India are in Leicester (UK) and Singapore, where vibrant street festivals, fireworks, and cultural events take place.
Q: Is it worth going to India for Diwali?
A: Absolutely. Visiting India during Diwali offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of lights, traditions, and community spirit unlike anywhere else in the world.
Q: Where is Diwali celebrated the most after India?
A: After India, Diwali is widely celebrated in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, and the UK, where Indian communities keep traditions alive.
Q: Which city in India is best for Diwali celebrations?
A: Varanasi is often ranked at the top for its breathtaking riverfront lighting and Dev Deepawali festival, followed closely by Jaipur and Amritsar.
Q: What is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?
A: Dev Deepawali, held 15 days after Diwali, is a special celebration in Varanasi where millions of diyas are lit along the Ganga ghats, creating a magical spectacle.
Q: Where is Diwali celebrated with Kali Puja?
A: In Kolkata and West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali with rituals, pandals, and illuminated celebrations.