Diwali, also renowned as the festival of lights, is the most significant celebration for the majority of Indians. The five-day-long festivity honors the triumph of light over darkness and specifically venerates the arrival of Lord Ram to Ayodhya with his spouse Sita after conquering the evil king Ravana.
Diwali is a time when the entire family comes together to celebrate. Donning the new outfits, filled with enthusiasm, and relishing the spirit of the festival along with Diwali sweets. However, if you are pondering on where to spend the festival, then go through the list of these distinct places and ideas to commemorate the festival creating unforgettable moments.
- Varanasi – This is one insane location at any given time of the year, but it grows even further during the festive season with a steady surge of fireworks exploding throughout the night. For the choicest encounter, ensure that you book a hotel in Varanasi on the riverside so that you can enjoy a marvelous show of the fireworks above the Ganga river. Other features are the earthen lamps floating down the river, ghats irradiated with candles, and the exclusive Ganga Aarti. Dev Diwali observed on the full moon night, two weeks following Diwali, of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, is a much greater event. There is a parade of Hindu gods and goddesses on the city streets and the ghats are aligned with a million and more earthen lamps.
- Jaipur – The charm of the festival comes from the cordial radiance of lights and diyas which embellish shops, homes, and streets. One of the most suitable spots to encounter this is in “Jaipur – The Pink City”, in Rajasthan, where not only homes but the entire marketplace is brightened up with lights. Every year, there’s a contest for the most radiantly lit up and best-adorned market, and the administration foots the power charges. It’s a ravishing spectacle that draws guests from across the country. Indeed, it is a wonderful place to purchase amazing Diwali gifts for family from these beautiful markets.
- Amritsar – You might be astonished to know that despite Amritsar, held sway by Sikhs, is the hometown of the Golden Temple, Diwali is lauded lavishly there as well. The festival has been fused into the Sikh faith and is especially meaningful since it also signifies the return of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from the Mughal prison. Furthermore, the foundation of the holy and sacred Golden Temple was set on this very day. Anticipate seeing a captivating spectacle of fireworks aloft the beautiful Golden Temple. The temple structure is also wrapped in beautiful and gleaming lights, and the border of the lake fringed with infinite candles and diyas, ignited by believers.
- Udaipur – This beautiful place is quite famous for spending Diwali with doorsteps and rooftops ornamented by lights, and mesmerizing fireworks atop Lake Pichola. Believers travel to the Mahalaxmi temple located in Bhatiyani Chohatta to give their reverences to the dryad of prosperity. The Light Festival of Udaipur, which was initiated in 2012 by UdaipurBlog to bring people together and commemorate the festive season, is another fascination. The celebration highlights amazing performances by several musicians, vocalists, and DJs throughout genres, creative artwork, stalls for delicious cuisines, fun activities, etc. The event takes place right outside Udaipur at Shouryagarh Resort & Spa.
- Mumbai – Mumbai’s Marine Drive area, fondly renowned as the Queen’s Necklace, presents a reminiscent scenery for the blasting of fireworks in the city of dreams. The city’s inhabitants gather there to experience the ambiance and relish the fireworks all through the night, mirrored in the harbor. For the finest encounter, book a hotel along the Marine Drive and enjoy the view with a delicious order Diwali cake.
- Ayodhya – If you wish to witness the biggest Diwali festival in the country, then go to the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. This is the place where Lord Ram had returned with his wife Sita on this day following a fourteen-year long expatriate. A record number of three lakh plus diyas were ignited beside the shores of the River Saryu, securing a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the celebration. This year’s celebration also vows to be absolutely overwhelming, since the administration seems to be allotting additional finances for it.