It’s almost that time of year again when the wind gets a bit chilly and you can just feel the rumblings of a mela right around the corner. Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is a nearly week-long cultural and spiritual celebration usually held sometime between September and November.
Diwali marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar and celebrates themes like light’s victory over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. While Diwali is celebrated all over the world and by various cultural and religious groups, observing Diwali celebrations in India is an experience unlike any other. In India, Diwali is a government mandated, or “gazetted,” public holiday. This means that Diwali will be celebrated nationwide and a festive air will be found everywhere.
You can be anywhere in India and celebrate, and no two places will likely celebrate in the same way! There are many incredible locations around India where you could choose to get the most out of the Diwali season depending on what you’re looking for.
Top Places to Celebrate Diwali in India for an Unforgettable Festival Experience
So where should you aim to send your Diwali postcards with heartfelt happy Diwali wishes this year? Here are our top picks for the best destinations across India to take in all their glowing, festive Diwali celebrations.
Jaipur
Jaipur is a must-see destination in India anytime of year, a member city of the Golden Triangle that pairs well with other major cities. But during Diwali, “The Pink City” really comes to life, with all its vibrant city lights and bustling nightlife on full display. Photogenic travelers will have no shortage of incredible pictures to take here and create collages full of all their Diwali cheer.
During the festival, the entire city gets decorated with lights and transforms from day to night. The markets are filled with festival food offerings and the streets are filled with celebrators at all hours. If you don’t mind crowds and maybe even some open air dancing, this is definitely the city for you during Diwali!
Famous landmarks in Jaipur like the Johari Bazaar and Hawa Mahal are also beautifully illuminated during the festival, which is a sight to behold in itself. But even all of these iconic Diwali activities aside, Jaipur is still an exciting and heartwarming place to travel year-round, while also being one of the safest places for solo female travellers in India. So even if you miss the Diwali celebrations this year, we still highly recommend you pay the city a visit across other festive seasons throughout the Hindu calendar.
Kolkata
If crowds are something you wish to avoid, Kolkata may be the best place for you to enjoy Diwali in your own way. Here, most people celebrate the main day of Diwali as Kali Puja, a holiday held in honor of the goddess Kali. So amidst the more energetic celebrations, there are those also searching for a moment of peace and introspection.
While the main festivities of the day will still be exciting and draw crowds to the lights, lanterns and tents, surrounding the main celebrations are opportunities to experience more serene customs. There are Hooghly River cruises and boat rides where you can get closer to nature and observe the lights from afar. Gift exchanges, or pujas, happen everywhere and offer a heartfelt engagement.
Kolkata is a certainly unique Diwali destination set apart from the rest. If you’re looking for a truly original Diwali experience that is not too action-heavy, add Kolkata to your itinerary.
Amritsar
The Golden Temple of Amritsar is a bucket list item for many (if not all) Indian travellers. Although, during Diwali, this particular cultural attraction truly lives up to its name. The celebrations here are unique and everyone is invited to join together.
In Amritsar, Diwali becomes a shared celebration with Bandi Chhor Divas. This is an important heritage commemoration with deep historical importance to the Sikh community here.
In addition to raucous fireworks and light shows, all are invited to contemplate the deeper meanings of the season and meditate around the Temple’s lake. This is followed afterward usually with an enormous communal feast, Diwali celebrations in Amritsar are truly unique and provide a more down-to-earth experience.
Delhi
There is a reason why Delhi is known as the place to be when celebrating Diwali. For people who don’t quite know how they want to observe Diwali, the big city provides all manners of celebration.
The famous bazaars of the old and new cities will offer the greatest variety of food and specialties. Delhi is also an eclectic thriving urban hub, so celebrations of all traditions and varieties will be happening city-wide. You can expect to find new and exciting Diwali celebrations on every street – so it’s well worth doing a little bit of research before you arrive to see what events will be happening during your stay.
Delhi is a great entry and exit point for people travelling through India, so if you don’t have a lot of time for Diwali, being in Delhi during the holiday could help bookend your trip. Keep in mind, however, that Diwali is an official Delhi dry day, so be respectful of this social rule if you do opt to celebrate in the big city. And if you are actually wishing to keep an alcohol-free observance of the holiday this year, then this is the destination to do so!
Light Up Your Indian Getaway This Diwali!
No matter where you may choose to celebrate Diwali while in India, you’re guaranteed to be touched by rich culture wherever you find yourself! The destinations we’ve shared today are just some of the many destination cities India has to offer.
And at the end of your trip, you’ll be guaranteed to have plenty of memories from all the festive celebrations, whether it be in the form of photos and videos, cultural clothing, and even some personalized postcards filled with your favorite Diwali moments.
Here’s wishing you a bright, and unforgettable Festival of Lights this year!
