Where to Celebrate Diwali in India

Diwali, the festival of sound and light, fills India with endless joy. The festival brings out the cultural fervour of the country and mirrors the depth of Indian traditions. From vibrant Diwali melas in rural India to grand Diwali celebrations in urban cities, every region of India has its own way of commemorating this significant festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Read on to know about vivid Diwali traditions in various parts of India.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Diwali

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Diwali of Uttar Pradesh is extra special as Lord Rama’s home Ayodhya is in this state. Especially in Varanasi, the festivities of Diwali are worth seeing where a grand Ganga aarti is organised on the day of Diwali where thousands of devotees flock with earthen lamps which are then left in the water to float. Haridwar also has a similar way of celebrating this festival of lights when countless diyas are lit around the ghats by visitors.

Places to Visit: Varanasi, Haridwar

Maharashtra

Maharashtra Diwali

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Diwali of Maharashtra is also special as it is believed that Lord Rama stayed in Panchvati during his 14-year exile. This place now lies close to Nasik where a grand Lakshmi-pujan is organised to please Goddess Lakshmi. Locals of Maharashtra, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune organise impressive Diwali parties to mingle with their friends and family.

Places to Visit: Mumbai, Pune and Nasik

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Diwali

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While in other parts of India Diwali begins after sunset, Tamil Nadu has a different way of celebrating this special festival. On the day of Diwali locals enjoy a traditional oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes. Thereafter, they consume a traditional tonic called ‘Deepavali Lehiyam’ which acts as a precursor. Most Tamilians solemnize this day as the death of Narakasura, who was killed by Lord Krishna.

Places to Visit: Chennai and Rameshwaram

Bengal

Bengal Diwali

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Bengal celebrates Diwali as ‘Kali Puja’, which is an avatar of goddess Durga. On this day, the locals of Bengal gather together during the evening hours and feast on a sacrificial goat. Every house can be seen with a traditional Rangoli made of powdered rice and diyas. Huge pandals are also set up at various places where grand Diwali fairs are organised.

Places to Visit: Kolkata

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Diwali

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Diwali of Andhra Pradesh is full of theatre and drama. Theatre artists can be seen enacting slaying of the demon by Lord Krishna in a beautiful way. Thereafter, cracker stuffed effigies are put on fire signifying the end of evil. Locals enjoy fireworks and feasts during the evening and exchange gifts with their friends and family.

Places to See: Hyderabad and Hampi

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