Festive Places in India: Part 1- Diwali

India is a country, that celebrates a multitude of festivals. There are certain parts of the country prominent for a certain festival. In today’s episode, I would like to talk about the spectacular festive places in India known for Diwali celebrations.

Diwali is the festival of lights, implying the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Many legends or mythological stories are associated with Diwali. Legends of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Kali are prevalent all over the country. It is one of the greatest festivals (Hindu) in India. So here’s my list of 6 spectacular festive places in India where you can spend your Diwali holidays for an exquisite experience.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

According to Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Ram to Ayodhya after killing Ravan, the demon king of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and fireworks to celebrate the return of their king. Before the battle with Ravan, Ram’s father, King Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya, had sent him to exile along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman for 14 years. So the return of the victorious Ram was celebrated. All over India, this is the most popular legend behind the celebration of Diwali. The scale of celebration at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Ram, is unparalleled. On the banks of the Sarayu River, lakhs of diyas are lit every year during the Deepotsav celebration, held on the eve of Diwali. This grand festival every year is marked by a record-breaking number of diyas being lit.  The view is stunning and Ayodhya has entered the Guinness Book of World Records by lighting up 15.76 lakh diyas in 2022. The Land of Lord Ram definitely tops the chart of places to visit during Diwali.

Goa

It is believed that a demon called Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna on the day before Diwali. This day is called Narakasura Chaturdashi. In Goa, the focus is on celebrating the destruction of large and scary effigies of the demon Narakasura by burning them. Fireworks, music, and gambling at Goa’s top casinos are at their best during this season. November is not that warm either. So Goa is one of the best places to visit during Diwali. One will be able to enjoy a different Diwali at Goa with its lovely beaches, the awesome Arabian Sea, the churches, the waterfalls, and the parties and casinos.

Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar is on my list of festive places in India to visit during Diwali to witness a different kind of celebration. Diwali coincides with the Sikh celebrations of ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’. This day marks the return of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from prison. He was unjustly held for his beliefs along with many other political prisoners who he later helped free. The heart of Amritsar is the Golden Temple and its golden shine increases tenfold when draped in numerous lights and surrounded by numerous oil lamps and candles. The fireworks make the environment magical. Autumn’s nip in the air is perfect for a trip to Amritsar; it’s food, shopping, the Jalianwala Bagh and Attari Wagha Border, besides the Golden Temple, are the chief attractions of Amritsar.

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata must be on the list of festive places in India to visit during Diwali as Kolkata’s Diwali is a unique celebration. Bengal celebrates Kali Puja and worships Goddess Kali, the representation of Shakti. Kolkata dazzles with lights, lamps, candles, fireworks, and magnificent pandals with majestic and beautiful idols of the goddess. The sound of dhak (drums), bells and conches add to the magic. Barasat and Naihati, towns near Kolkata, are also famous for Kali Puja. Celebrations at iconic temples of Kolkata- Kalighat and Dakshineswar, attract huge devotees. Kali Puja is performed at many homes and many homes worship Goddess Lakshmi for good luck and prosperity.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi celebrates Diwali with a constant stream of fireworks and the entire city lights up with diyas and candles, lining the streets and the stairs of the ghats (river banks) of the Holy Ganga River. It is a sight to behold. Varanasi is a city of temples- the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankatmochan Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, and many more. Varanasi is also famous for its food, brocades, the ghats, and the evening Ganga Aarti. 15 days after Diwali, Varanasi celebrates Dev Deepavali. It is believed to be the day when the gods descend to Earth to bathe in the Holy Ganga. During the celebrations, processions carrying deities are out into the streets and oil lamps are lit around the city. Varanasi literally looks like the city of Gods and it is one of the best places to visit during Diwali season.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

For a regal Diwali experience, Udaipur must be on the list of places to visit during Diwali. Udaipur in Rajasthan is called the city of Lakes but is also a city full of palaces, forts, temples, havelis, and lively markets. This colorful city is illuminated by lights all over. Then there are fireworks. Lake Pichola is where people visit to see the reflections of the lit-up city and the reflections of fireworks in the sky. Udaipur Light Festival and Lantern Festival are held and people visit the Mahalakshmi Temple. The climate during Diwali is also appropriate for a visit to Rajasthan.

Hope the above-mentioned festive places in India for Diwali are helpful.