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Best Places to Enjoy Diwali Vacation in India 2023

Celebrate Diwali in Style: Discover the Best Destinations for a Festival of Lights Getaway

Diwali is just a days away and this is the best Indian Festival which brings everyone under one roof with love and fun. I am sure you would desperately waiting to feel the all colors of "Festival Of Light". This is one of the biggest and liveliest holidays in India is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights as I said. It's a time when homes are decorated out with lights, candles, and diyas, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the day. Family come together, and the sound of festive fireworks fills the air. On the occasion of Dewali you can also try out top travel packages such as Cultural Tour Packages, Festival Packages, Domestic Tour Packages and more.

What if you could enjoy Diwali celebrations in some of India's most beautiful and culturally vibrant locations, elevating them to a whole new level?

Set out on an exploration to discover the Top Diwali locations of India to celebrate the festival of lights this Diwali.

Check Out Mesmarizing Places:

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1. Diwali in the Golden City: Jaisalmer's Luminous Celebration

When it comes to experiencing the magic of Diwali in all its glory, there's no place quite like Jaisalmer, the "Golden City" of Rajasthan. This enchanting desert town offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the festival of lights.

Imagine a grand fort illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The entire city comes alive with cultural performances, traditional food, and the warmth of its people during this festival.

The Golden Charm of Jaisalmer:

Jaisalmer  is renowned for its distinctive golden architecture. The buildings and havelis of the city are constructed from beautiful golden sandstone, which takes on a mesmerizing hue in the golden light of the desert sun. During Diwali, this golden charm is accentuated as the city lights up with countless lamps and oil diyas, giving it a surreal and almost magical quality.

The Illuminated Fort:

At the heart of Jaisalmer lies the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. The fort takes on a new life during Diwali. It's adorned with thousands of oil lamps and traditional decorations that cast a warm, inviting glow over the entire fort. As the sun sets, the fort seems to come alive, and it's a sight that is both enchanting and awe-inspiring.

Cultural Extravaganza:

Jaisalmer Tour is not just about the stunning visual display of lights; it's also a time for cultural festivities. The city hosts a range of cultural events and performances during this period. You can witness traditional folk dances, musical performances, and even puppet shows that showcase the rich Rajasthani heritage. These cultural events create an atmosphere of joy and celebration that's infectious.

Diwali Bazaars:

Jaisalmer's markets come alive during Diwali. The streets are filled with enthusiastic shoppers looking to buy traditional clothes, jewelry, and, of course, an array of sweets and snacks that are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. The markets are adorned with colorful decorations, and the shopkeepers are more than willing to share the festive spirit with visitors.

A Feast for the Palate:

Jaisalmer Tour is also a feast for the palate. The city is known for its delectable Rajasthani cuisine, and during Diwali, you can savor a variety of traditional dishes. From dal baati churma to ghevar, the flavors are rich and the aromas are irresistible. The local sweets and snacks are a must-try, and they make for perfect Diwali gifts as well.

Diwali in Jaisalmer is a celebration like no other. The city's golden beauty, cultural vibrancy, culinary delights, and the grandeur of the Jaisalmer Fort all come together to create a magical and unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a unique and captivating way to celebrate the Festival of Lights, there's no place quite like the "Golden City" of Jaisalmer.

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2. Diwali in Varanasi: A Spiritual Festival of Lights

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India in Uttar Pradesh, offers a truly mesmerizing Diwali experience.

In Varanasi, Diwali is a unique celebration that draws a large number of visitors and devotees. Because it is believed that the gods come to earth to celebrate the occasion on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika, it is also known as Dev Deepawali or the Diwali of the Gods. It is observed fifteen days following Diwali, the festival that celebrates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. November 12, 2023 is Dev Diwali in Varanasi this year.

The Ghats of Varanasi:

The Ganga Mahotsav, a five-day festivities that highlights India's rich heritage and diversity, is one of the main draws of Diwali in Varanasi. During the magnificent Ganga Aarti ceremony, which takes place on the banks of the River Ganges, millions of earthen lamps, or diyas, are lit and presented to Goddess Ganga as the festival's culmination. There is a magical and joyful feeling in the air when one sees the ghats illuminated by lights.

The Diwali Dip:

One of the most sacred traditions during Diwali in Varanasi is taking a dip in the Ganges. It is believed that bathing in the holy river during this auspicious time washes away one's sins and brings blessings. Pilgrims gather at the ghats in the early hours of the morning to participate in this ritual, creating a sea of humanity seeking spiritual purification.

Diwali Pujas:

Temples across Varanasi are beautifully decorated during Diwali. Special pujas (religious ceremonies) are conducted to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major pilgrimage site and sees a significant increase in devotees during this time. The temple is illuminated, and the spiritual energy is palpable.

Sweets and Savories:

Diwali is a time for enjoying in delicious sweets and foods, and Varanasi offers a unique culinary experience during the festival. You can enjoy traditional Diwali treats like laddoos, rasmalai, jalebis, and various types of mithai (sweets) that are prepared with love and care. The city's famous street food stalls come alive, offering mouthwatering snacks and sweets that you can relish as you wander through its bustling lanes.

The Magic of Lamps and Fireworks:

Varanasi's alleys and neighborhoods are beautifully lit with earthen lamps and lanterns. The soft glow of these lamps creates an enchanting atmosphere. In the evening, the night sky comes alive with vibrant fireworks. Families and friends gather on rooftops to witness and participate in the fireworks display, adding to the joyful celebrations.

A Time for Joy and Togetherness:

Diwali is a time for families to come together and celebrate. The people of Varanasi, known for their warmth and hospitality, open their homes to guests and neighbors. The city resonates with laughter, music, and the joy of shared festivities.

Overall Varanasi is the best choice: 

Experiencing Diwali in Varanasi is a journey into the heart of spirituality, tradition, and cultural richness. The city's ghats, temples, and streets come alive with the spirit of the festival, and the divine atmosphere is both humbling and inspiring. It's a time when the river of life in Varanasi flows with even greater intensity, and the city's ancient traditions shine brighter than ever. If you seek a Diwali experience that is both deeply spiritual and culturally enriching, Varanasi is a destination that should be on your list.

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3. Pink Hues and Radiant Lights: Diwali in the Heart of Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, celebrates Diwali with great pomp and show. The markets are decorated with lights and festoons, and are filled with handicrafts, jewelry, food stalls, and happy people.

Here are some places to visit in Jaipur during Diwali: 

1. Nahargarh Fort

2. Jal Mahal

3. Statue Circle

4. Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji Temple

5. Chaura Rasta Road

6. Johari Bazaar

7. Nehru Bazar Road

8. Raja Park

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4. Diwali on the Banks of Lake Pichola: Udaipur, Rajasthan:

In Udaipur, Diwali is a wonderful festival that highlights the city of lakes' history and legacy. Udaipur is renowned for its vibrant markets, old palaces, and stunning scenery.

The city is decked out in lights, lamps, and fireworks for Diwali. Here are a few of Udaipur's Diwali highlights:

Udaipur Lantern Festival: 

This is a special celebration of Diwali that is fun and friendly to the environment. A beautiful light is created in the sky by thousands of people releasing lanterns into the air. Live music, a DJ, food trucks, games, and art exhibits are all part of the festival.

Ganga Mahotsav:

India's richness and diversity are on display during this five-day cultural event. Millions of earthen lamps, or diyas, are illuminated and offered to Goddess Ganga during the significant Ganga Aarti ceremony, which takes place on the banks of the River Ganges, as the celebration comes to an end. The air is charged with spiritual energy and delight as one witnesses the fascinating sight of the ghats shimmering with lights.

Shopping and Sightseening: 

Many different bazaars in Udaipur provide a wide selection of products for Diwali shopping. Places like Bapu Bazar, Hathipole, Chetak Circle, and Bada Bazar are good places to shop for handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, shoes, and gifts. Additionally, you can see some of Udaipur's well-known sights, including Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar Lake.

Lakshmi Pujan: 

The main Diwali ceremony offers respect to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune. People make use of candles, lamps, flowers, and rangoli to decorate their houses. In addition, they present dry fruits, fruits and sweets to the goddess during puja. November 12, 2023, is the auspicious time for Lakshmi Pujan in Udaipur. It falls between 05:48 PM and 07:44 PM.

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5. Diwali in the Temple Town: Madurai, Tamil Nadu:

In Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Diwali is a lavish celebration that adores local customs and culture. One of India's oldest and holiest cities, Madurai is well-known for the Meenakshi Temple, which is devoted to the goddess Meenakshi and her spouse Lord Shiva. 
The following are a few aspects of Diwali in Madurai:

Temple Meenakshi: 

The Meenakshi Temple, adorned with hundreds of lamps and flowers, is the main attraction of Madurai's Diwali celebrations. In honour of the goddess Lakshmi, who is honoured at the temple and is thought to grant her devotees money and success, special pujas and ceremonies are performed. The temple draws large crowds of people with its fireworks displays and cultural events.

Palace of Thirumalai Nayak: 

Another historical site in Madurai that observes Diwali with magnificence is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. King Thirumalai Nayak constructed the palace in the seventeenth century, and it is a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace hosts cultural events and concerts in addition to being lit up with candles and colourful lights.

Sweets and shopping: 

In Madurai, Diwali is a time for shopping and feasting in sweets. Numerous marketplaces and bazaars throughout the city provide a wide range of products for Diwali shopping, including apparel, jewellery, handicrafts, lamps, and crackers. Puthu Mandapam, Chithirai Street, Town Hall Road, and Nethaji Road are a few of the well-known shopping areas. 

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6. Beaches and Diwali Lights: Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Goa

Goa, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, offers a unique Diwali experience. The state celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm, and you can witness a blend of traditional and beachside celebrations. The night skies are illuminated with fireworks, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the tranquil beaches.

Here are some of the features of Diwali in Goa:

Narkasur Chaturdashi: 

This is the day before Diwali, when people burn huge effigies of Narkasur, the demon who was killed by Lord Krishna. The effigies are made of paper, straw, and firecrackers, and are paraded through the streets before being set on fire at dawn. The burning of Narkasur symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Laxmi Pujan: 

This is the main day of Diwali, when people worship Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People decorate their homes with lamps, candles, rangoli, and flowers. They also perform puja and offer sweets and fruits to the goddess. The auspicious time for Laxmi Pujan in Goa is from 06:01 PM to 08:01 PM on November 11, 2023.

Goa Lantern Festival: 

This is a special celebration of Diwali that is enjoyable and kind to the environment. A golden glow is created in the sky by thousands of people releasing lanterns into the air. Live music, a DJ, food vendors, games, and art exhibits are all part of the festival.

 

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7. Diwali in the Backwaters: Kerala:

Kerala is a festival that is celebrated differently from other parts of India. It is also known as Deepavali, which means “a row of lights”. It falls on the preceding day of the new moon in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November). 

Here are some of the features of Diwali in Kerala:

1. Diwali in Kerala is not a major festival, as it is overshadowed by Onam, the harvest festival that is celebrated in August-September. Onam commemorates the return of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who was banished by Lord Vishnu. Onam is a time for feasting, boat races, flower carpets, and cultural programs.

2. Kerala is observed as the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Keralites worship Lord Krishna and visit temples. Lord Ram and Lord Krishna were both human forms of Lord Vishnu.

3. Kerala celebrates Diwali in a low-key manner with few lights and firecrackers. In their houses, people light candles and lamps and pray to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune. Along with gifts and candies, they exchange these items with their friends and family.

4. In Kerala, Diwali is a three-day celebration. It starts on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, known as Dhanteras. On the fourteenth day, it is Narak Chaturdashi; on the fifteenth day, it is Deepavali proper.

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8. Diwali in the Hills: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Diwali is a beautiful festival that celebrates the state's culture and customs. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is renowned for its colonial architecture, picturesque scenery, and comfortable weather. 

Here are some of the activities Shimla celebrates on Diwali:

1. Both locals and visitors together celebrate Diwali in Shimla Tour with tremendous joy and passion. People use lamps, candles, and flowers to adorn their homes and businesses. In addition, they exchange gifts and candies with their friends and family and set off firecrackers. Fireworks and vibrant lights fill the city, creating in a magical atmosphere.

2. Diwali in Shimla coincides with the Dussehra festival, which is celebrated on the 10th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (October-November). Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The festival is marked by a grand procession of the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman from the Jakhu temple to the Ridge. The idols are then placed on a huge wooden structure that is set on fire, symbolizing the burning of Ravana.

3. Diwali in Shimla also coincides with the Narak Chaturdashi festival, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). Narak Chaturdashi marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. On this day, people wake up early and take a bath with oil and fragrant herbs. They also light lamps and candles in their homes and temples to ward off evil spirits.

4. Shimla is followed by a unique festival called Dev Deepawali or the Diwali of the Gods, which is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik (November). On this day, people believe that the gods descend to earth to celebrate Diwali. They light thousands of earthen lamps or diyas along the banks of the River Sutlej, which flows through Shimla. They also offer prayers and offerings to Goddess Ganga, who is considered to be the source of life.

5. Shimla is also a time for shopping and enjoying various cultural events. The city has many markets and bazaars that offer a variety of items for Diwali shopping, such as clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, lamps, and crackers. Some of the popular places to shop are Mall Road, Lakkar Bazar, Lower Bazar, and Tibetan Market. The city also hosts various cultural programs and performances during Diwali, such as music concerts, dance shows, folk festivals, and exhibitions.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Tour is a wonderful experience that you should not miss if you are looking for a memorable and meaningful celebration. It is a festival that honors the gods, the river, and the culture of Himachal Pradesh. It is a festival that celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

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9. Magic of Diwali In Kolkata

Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, and Kolkata has its unique way of celebrating it. The city comes alive with lights and decorations, and the festivities will surely get you in the mood.

Here are some ways to celebrate Diwali in Kolkata:

1. Witness the beauty of Kali Puja: Kali Puja celebrations in Kolkata are one of the best in the country. With striking pandals and grand celebrations, your entire Diwali night will be spent feasting on the beauty. I recommend you begin your hopping after 10:00 PM.

2. Long ride to witness the lighting: The skilled light artists from Chandernagore find their way to captivate the Kolkatans with their art. From picturizing a village scenery to showcasing Gods and Goddesses with their light, the entire city is enamored by the dexterity of Chandernagore artists. Taking a long drive at night is the best way to witness their age-old art.

3. River cruise: One of the best ways to witness the shining lights of Diwali is to book a cruise. It takes you on a ride across the Hooghly river covering major city ghats and hotspots. Serving complimentary dinner and snacks, you will be thrilled by the lights on the buildings, street decorations, and Howrah Bridge as well.

4. Ganga Aarti at Howrah: Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual that involves offering prayers to Goddess Ganga. It is performed every evening at Howrah Bridge during Diwali, and it is a sight to behold.

5. Belur Math: Belur Math is a monastery located on the banks of Hooghly river in Howrah district, West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda. During Diwali, Belur Math comes alive with lights and decorations, making it a great place to visit .

Kolkata celebrates Diwali differently from other parts of India, and it’s worth experiencing it once in your lifetime. From witnessing Kali Puja’s beauty to taking a long drive at night to witness lighting art, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Diwali in Kolkata.

So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of Diwali at these amazing destinations.

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10. Diwali in Mumbai

Mumbai has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in India. You are compelled to feel festive as the city comes to life with lights and decorations. Here are a few ideas for Mumbaikar's to celebrate Diwali:

See the city all lit up for Diwali, when Mumbai appears at its most beautiful and radiant. Every other window and ledge in the city is covered in lanterns, fairy lights, lamps, and other glowing and shining objects. Travel via Juhu, passing by attractive residences owned by lovely people, go Bandra, which is remarkably deserted but illuminated; cross the sea-link to see the sparkling coastline, and arrive at the island city, where the CST building will be decorated out in Diwali colours.

Overindulge in authentic Maharashtrian cuisine: Forget about the calories—it's Diwali! For rich delicious foods, park yourself at one of the many modest Marathi restaurants in Dadar, Juhu, Bandra, linking road, Parel, or Vile Parle. Although puri and shrikhand are traditional, you should try faral. Shops in these three suburbs stock up on some of the best sweets and savouries in the state, from chaklis to khakharas.

Enjoy the fireworks: At Marine Drive and Charni Road, there are some of the most amazing fireworks explosions. This is where everything from sky lights to rockets is happening. Park anywhere along the route to enjoy a seat and this amazing show.

Mumbai celebrates Diwali in a unique way compared to other regions of India, and it's a must-do experience. There are several ways to celebrate Diwali in Mumbai, such as going on a photowalk around Lohar Chawl, viewing fireworks, or shopping on lantern street in Mahim.

So prepare to travel to these incredible locations, pack your bags, buy your tickets, and enjoy the magic of Diwali.

India offers an unforgettable opportunity to totally immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the nation by travelling around Diwali. It's a celebration that represents the spirit of joy, spirituality, and togetherness. Whether you decide to take in the stunning lights and decorations, visit the bustling marketplaces, or just take in the sights, Diwali in India promises to be a warm and wonderful experience that you'll remember for a lifetime.

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