India has a vibrant culture and festivals. From North to South and East to West, each of the corner have different festivals and values. Some of the festivals of India are full of culture, traditions, dance, and music, while some of them are full of peace, faith, bond, and gratitude.
Diwali, the festival of lights, the victory of Dharma over Adharma, or the celebration on the arrival of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Laxmana back in Ayodhya. In every Indian Tradition, Diwali holds an importance and spiritual significance. It brings people together regardless of caste, creed, or status, everyone plays with crackers, sings, dances, and shares sweets with each other.
Wondering places to visit during Diwali in India? Make your Diwali vacation colourful, like a rangoli, and as bright as shining diyas by discovering the 7 best cities to visit in Diwali that display a rainbow of cultural extravaganza, diverse traditions, and immense devotion.
1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
The holy town where Lord Rama was born and returned after fourteen years of exile, Ayodhya, celebrates Diwali by setting the Guinness World Record of lighting further than 3 lakh Diyas on the ghats of the Saryu River. This time as well, the fests are bound to be high-spirited, making the literal town one of the stylish places to go on Diwali.
Diwali in Ayodhya is directly linked to the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, according to the Ramayana.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Ayodhya:
Ram ki Paidi Aarti.
Ram Ki Paidi is the primary ghat in Ayodhya, where lots of people gather to witness the Saryu Aarti on Diwali. The Aarti is a beautiful custom. It’s a sight from over. The lights float on the water below. It creates a peaceful, religious surrounding.
Lighting Diyas.
The royal occasion of Ayodhya Diwali is the lighting of millions of diyas. They’re lit across the megacity, especially along the banks of the River Saryu. This ritual recreates the warm greeting offered to Lord Rama. It provides an amazing visual show.
2. Amritsar, Punjab
Diwali is genuinely important for the Sikh community because it celebrates the discharge of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Sikh practitioner, from captivity. The Golden Temple is beautifully lit with thousands of lights during this time. Callers can enjoy special prayer songs (kirtans) in Amritsar and see the requests decorated with bright and various lights.
Bandi Chor Diwas,
Sikh history has many important events that are remembered and celebrated even today. One such event is Bandi Chhor Divas. On this day, the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, helped free 52 kings from the prison of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
3. Purushwadi, Maharashtra
This is a small village in the Mumbai-Nashik area. It is a perfect place to experience Diwali in a traditional way. On Diwali night, local families light bonfires, and children go from house to house singing old festive songs. Visitors who want to enjoy the village’s culture can join in by making rangolis, taking a dip in the Mula River, and watching thousands of fireflies glow in the night sky.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Purushwadi:
Bonfires and Communal Cooking,
During Diwali in this village, families gather around bonfires to celebrate together. Neighbors come together to cook traditional meals in open spaces, sharing food, stories, and laughter. This sense of community and warmth makes the festival even more special and memorable.
Halloween-like Celebration,
In Purushwadi village, children go from house to house singing old festive songs and celebrate Diwali.
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4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Celebrate Diwali like never before at the Udaipur Light Festival, where tradition meets modern festivity. This vibrant event features an exciting mix of live performances by renowned music artists, interactive games, and thrilling adventure activities.
As night falls, the city transforms into a glowing wonderland, its majestic palaces and tranquil lakes bathed in dazzling lights. The royal charm of Udaipur combined with the festive spirit, makes it a truly unforgettable Diwali destination in India.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Udaipur:
Laxmi Puja,
As evening sets in, the family warmly welcomes you to join the Laxmi Puja, where prayers are offered to the goddess for wealth and prosperity
5. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata, often called the City of Joy, truly lives up to its vibrant reputation during Diwali. Alongside the festival of lights, the city celebrates Kali Puja with unmatched zeal and devotion. Streets and neighborhoods transform with illuminated pandals, vibrant decorations, and the glow of countless diyas, creating a magical atmosphere. For those visiting during this festive season, Kolkata offers a wide range of hotels that promise a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Wishing everyone a joyful pandal-hopping experience.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Kolkata:
Kali Puja,
The famous Kali Puja is celebrated with grand rituals, and the whole city comes alive as people enjoy traditional sweets and snacks.
6. Delhi, India
If you love shopping, Diwali is a great time to visit Delhi. The city has many famous Diwali markets, from budget-friendly Palika Bazaar to the stylish Select City Walk. You can find decorations for every price range. During Diwali, many famous monuments in Delhi are beautifully lit up. There are also many hotels to stay in so that you can enjoy the festive atmosphere comfortably.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Delhi:
Decoration and Cleaning,
Homes are deeply cleaned from top to bottom, not just as a task but as a way to welcome prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth.
Dhanteras,
Buying gold or other valuable items like Utensils, silver, etc, during Diwali is seen as lucky. This tradition is known as Dhanteras, it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
7. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar offers a perfect blend of tradition and charm, making it a great place to visit during Diwali. For a peaceful celebration, travellers can enjoy the beautiful lights around Pushkar Lake. Around the same time, the famous Pushkar Camel Fair takes place — a colorful event full of music, festivities, and cultural activities.
This is how Diwali is celebrated in Pushkar:
Lighting up Diyas,
Homes are decorated with diyas (oil lamps) and fairy lights, creating a warm, magical glow that represents the victory of light over darkness.
Let the Light Glow
Diwali is more than a festival of lights; it is a celebration of joy, unity, and renewal. Whether you’re floating diyas in Varanasi, or watching Ayodhya’s glowing riverbanks, every city offers a different way to experience its charm. This year, step beyond your home celebrations and see how India lights up in a thousand ways. Wherever you go, the spirit of Diwali will shine bright, bringing warmth, peace, and a touch of magic to your journey.
By selecting the right places to visit during Diwali in India, families can create memories that go beyond the rituals at home. Considering the best time to visit and the local weather, along with choosing comfortable stays such as a villa in Udaipur or a villa in Delhi, ensures that the trip remains both festive and convenient.
Whether it is temple rituals, community fairs, or riverfront celebrations, these places to visit for Diwali present unique cultural experiences that highlight India’s unity in diversity during its brightest festival.
