Festival of Lights

Discover India’s top 8 destinations to celebrations in Diwali 2024. Experience the full majesty of the festival of lights, complete with stunning displays, cultural events, and traditional celebrations.

Top Destinations to Celebrate Diwali 2024 in India

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most frequently celebrated festivals in India. While the occasion is observed throughout the country, several locations stand out for their elaborate celebrations and distinct traditions. Here are the top ten spots in India to experience the beauty of Diwali 2024.

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, celebrates Diwali 2024 with a spiritual twist. The Ganges River’s ghats are decked with hundreds of diyas (oil lamps), and the nightly aarti (ritual) creates a wonderful scene.

Highlights: Ganga Aarti, boat trips to see the diyas floating down the river, and Dev Deepawali, a one-of-a-kind event in which the entire city is lit up with lamps.
Best time to visit: Dev Deepawali, which is celebrated 15 days after Diwali in 2024.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan

During Diwali 2024, the Pink City of Jaipur transforms into the City of Lights. The markets are magnificently illuminated, and the palaces and forts are adorned with lights and diyas, lending a regal air to the celebrations.

Highlights: Illuminated markets such as Johari Bazaar, sound and light shows in forts, and Diwali handcraft buying.
Best Time to Visit: Diwali 2024 week, when the city holds contests for the best-decorated bazaar.

3. Amritsar, Punjab

Diwali in Amritsar is unique because it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival. The Golden Temple is brightly illuminated, and the surrounding Sarovar (lake) is covered in diyas, providing a stunning view.

Highlights: Fireworks, devotional music performances, and a spectacular illumination of the Golden Temple.
Best Time to Visit: On Diwali 2024 night, the entire Golden Temple compound is light.

4. Kolkata, West Bengal

Diwali is celebrated in Kolkata alongside the Kali Puja, which honors the Goddess Kali. The city comes alive with pandals (temporary constructions), diyas, and vibrant rangolis (decorative patterns).

Highlights: Kali Puja celebrations include pandals, traditional sweets, and cultural performances.
Best Time to Visit: The night of Kali Puja is when the festivities are at their peak.

5. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya, which is believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace, celebrates Diwali in style in 2024. The city organizes Deepotsav, a large celebration in which millions of diyas are lit along the banks of the Saryu River.

Highlights: Deepotsav is a celebration with cultural acts and light shows depicting Lord Rama’s life.
Best Time to Visit: Deepotsav day, which normally occurs the day before Diwali 2024.

6. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai celebrates Diwali with grandeur, particularly along Marine Drive, where the skyline is lit up with fireworks. The city’s lively marketplaces and shopping complexes contribute to the joyful vibe.

Highlights: Fireworks show on Marine Drive, Diwali-themed celebrations, and shopping at Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar.
Best Time to Visit: Diwali 2024 night for fireworks and a festive mood.

7. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, the city of lakes, provides a one-of-a-kind Diwali experience, combining breathtaking lakeside vistas with traditional ceremonies. The lit palaces and haveli courtyards create a stunning scene.

Highlights: Fireworks over Lake Pichola, local dance and music shows, and Diwali 2024 banquets in classic hotels.
Best Time to Visit: Diwali evening is when the city’s landmarks are illuminated.

8. Delhi

India’s capital city celebrates Diwali 2024 with extravagant decorations, cultural festivities, and grand fairs. The markets are buzzing with bustle, and the streets are decorated with lights and festive decor.

Highlights: Diwali Mela (fair) in Dilli Haat, lit temples, and sweets shopping on Chandni Chowk.
Best Time to Visit: Fairs and shopping take place during the week leading up to Diwali.

Conclusion

Diwali in India is more than a festival; it is an experience. Each community lends its own traditions and customs to the celebrations, providing a variety of ways to experience the Festival of Lights. Whether you seek spiritual experiences, cultural events, or simply a festive environment, these ten destinations are the best places to celebrate Diwali 2024 in India.

Discover the 7 best places to celebrate Diwali 2024 in Uttar Pradesh, where tradition and festivity combine to create genuinely unique festivities.

Celebrate Diwali 2024 in Uttar Pradesh

Diwali, the festival of lights, occupies a specific place in the hearts of millions across India, including Uttar Pradesh. Here are the 7 best places to celebrate Diwali 2024 in Uttar Pradesh, with spectacular decorations and intricate traditions that promise unique experiences.

1. Ayodhya

Why Visit: Ayodhya, known as Lord Rama birthplace, is well-known for its huge Diwali celebrations, which involve the burning of thousands of diyas (lamps) along the Sarayu River.

Highlight: The spectacular Deepotsav celebration, which illuminates the city with thousands of clay lamps.
Tip: Attend religious activities at different temples, particularly the Hanuman Garhi Temple.

2. Varanasi

Why Visit: Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart, offers a unique blend of tradition and celebration during Diwali, with illuminated ghats and religious rites.

Highlight: Ganga Aarti, during which the ghats are illuminated, producing a breathtaking view.
Tip: Try the local sweets and appetizers that are particularly produced for the celebration.

3. Lucknow

Why Visit: During Diwali, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, combines Mughal architecture with festive excitement.

Highlight: The illumination of historical sites such as the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.
Tip: During the event, visit nearby restaurants to sample authentic Awadhi cuisine.

4. Kanpur

Why Visit: Known for its industrial importance, Kanpur transforms into a flurry of lights and celebrations during Diwali, attracting both locals and tourists.

Highlight: Attend vivid fairs and local celebrations in several parks.
Tip: Look for attractive decorative goods and treats in the local markets.

5. Mathura

Why Visit: Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a famous pilgrimage site that celebrates Diwali with tremendous enthusiasm.

Highlight: The magnificent celebrations at Krishna Janmabhoomi and adjacent Vrindavan.
Tip: Do not miss the traditional sweets, particularly the famous peda.

6. Agra

Why Visit: Agra, home to the famed Taj Mahal, provides a lovely backdrop for Diwali celebrations with its illuminated monuments.

Highlight: Fireworks illuminate the Taj Mahal, producing a stunning spectacle.
Tip: Visit local artists to get handcrafted Diwali decorations.

7. Gorakhpur

Why Visit: Gorakhpur is well-known for its cultural and social celebrations around Diwali, making it an appealing visit.

Highlights: Community gatherings and festivals where locals can rejoice together.
Tip: Attend local events to feel the warmth of traditional hospitality.

Diwali 2024 Date Uttar Pradesh

Diwali 2024 will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh from Tuesday, October 29, 2024 to Sunday, November 3, 2024. This festival of lights commemorates the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with elaborate events that illuminate homes and streets around the state.

Uttar Pradesh offers a wide range of Diwali events, from spiritual rites to lively celebrations. Whether it is the sacred essence of Ayodhya or the vibrant environment of Varanasi, these top seven destinations promise an amazing Diwali 2024 celebration. Make wonderful memories with your loved ones!

Tag: Festival of Lights

8 Best Places in India to Celebrate Diwali 2024