One of India’s most beloved festivals is around the corner. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in a grand fashion across the country. While various cities get decked up in sparkling lights, families use this opportunity to get together, purchase new clothes, exchange gifts, share sweets, and light diyas. Symbolising the victory of good against evil, Diwali is best spent with family. It’s also a great time for a short yet fulfilling getaway. Are you planning to take a trip with your family this Diwali? CNBC-TV18 has compiled a list of 10 Indian destinations that you must visit this festive season.
Ayodhya: What better place to celebrate Diwali than the birthplace of Lord Ram: Ayodhya? The locals here celebrate the festival of lights in a grand fashion. The entire city is decked up in colourful papers and glittery lights for four days. In fact, people from all across Uttar Pradesh congregate on the banks of the Sarayu River to light lanterns. Interestingly, Ayodhya also features in the Guinness Book of Records for lighting three lakh diyas during Diwali. (Image: Reuters)
Amritsar: Imagine spending Diwali at ‘The Golden Temple’ surrounded by thousands of beautiful diyas, oil lamps, and candles. Exquisite right? Interestingly, Diwali is significant for the city of Amritsar as it commemorates the laying of the foundation stone for The Golden Temple in 1577. Beauty and serenity in one package is what you’ll get if you choose to visit Amritsar this Diwali. (Image: Reuters)
Varanasi: If you’re interested in a peaceful and calm Diwali, then Varanasi is the place to go! Take a dip in the holy Ganges river, go for a boat ride during sunset, and dreamily watch the beautiful lights reflecting in the river. You’ll also be witness to a stunning display of fireworks during this festive season. Don’t miss out on the Dev Deepavali, also called the Diwali of Gods, where you’ll witness a procession of all Hindu deities and view the ghats illuminated by over a million lamps. (Image: Reuters)
Udaipur: Celebrations at the city of lakes begin with Dhanteras. You’ll find local musicians playing folk music at the market. The entire city will be decorated with plenty of fairy lights. Lake Pichola will reflect the grandeur of the fireworks during Diwali. It’s also the time to pay your respects at the Mahalaxmi Temple. (Image: Reuters)
Madurai: South India celebrates Diwali a day ahead of North India. During this time, locals partake in an oil bath with gingelly oil before wearing new clothes and cooking up delicacies like jangri, pathri, ukkarai, and more. Evenings in the city are marked by beautiful lights and firecrackers along with the sound of laughing children enjoying themselves. (Image: Reuters)
Pushkar: Sand dunes, lakes, hills, and forests surround the Pushkar Lake in this iconic city in Rajasthan. Popular amongst travellers for its spirituality and beauty, Pushkar comes to life during Diwali. The Haveli Diwali, or the annual camel fair, happens during this time. You’ll bear witness to around 50,000 camels dressed up in colourful decorations and clothes. If you enjoy exploring temples, you must visit the Brahma Temple here, the only one of its kind in the country. (Image: Reuters)
Mysore: Your visit to this breathtaking city is incomplete without a visit to the iconic Mysore Palace. During Diwali, the palace is illuminated by a barrage of lights and is a breathtaking sight to behold. Houses across Mysore are decorated with diyas and intricate rangolis. Numerous stalls also pop up at this time and offer loads of delicious sweets and snacks. (Image: Reuters)
Odisha: Diwali in Odisha is accompanied by Kali Pooja and the ceremony of Badabadua Daka. So, the city gets ready for Kali Pooja almost a fortnight before Diwali. You’ll witness several pandals across the city and can participate in many poojas until Diwali. (Image: Reuters)
Assam: Diwali is celebrated for five whole days in Assam. During Dhanteras, homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome goddess Lakshmi. The entire city is illuminated by lots of beautiful lights. Flower garlands and other decorations adorn the streets of Assam, making it a must-see.
Kolkata: The city of joy comes alive during Diwali. In fact, in addition to Diwali, Bengalis also celebrate Kali Puja during the third day of the festival of lights. Homes are covered in lights and decorations as a tribute to the goddess Kali. Iconic locations like Park Street, New Market, and the Howrah Bridge come to life during this festival. It is also a fun time to go pandal hopping in the city. (Image: Reuters)