Ankur Sood Diwali, the festival of lights, is one among the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Every nook and corner of the country illuminates with lamps, bursting into festive zeal and fervor. Although Diwali itself holds the same purpose in India, different cities are different in how they celebrate the festival; that’s why it will be a memorable experience for people staying in India and visitors alike in 2024. Diwali in India is celebrated in the most vibrant and magical of its colors at these places in 2024.
Varanasi – The Spiritual Diwali Experience
Varanasi, a city known as one of the oldest living cities in the world, offers a deeply spiritual Diwali experience that is unparalleled. Celebrating Diwali on the banks of the sacred Ganges makes it an ethereal experience for visitors. Thousands of oil lamps float on the river. Ganga Aarti, associated with this Diwali festival, is a gigantic feat in rituals by priests accompanied by rhythmic chanting of prayers, ringing of bells, and lighting huge lamps. This experience of spiritual bliss at Varanasi is only once in a lifetime.
Jaipur – The Royal Diwali in the Pink City
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. Jaipur has a royal feel and makes for a perfect destination for people to celebrate the festive event of Diwali. The city is embellished by lightings that shine at night, while the renowned forts and palaces are illuminated. Diwali shopping in Jaipur is not to be missed. The markets are Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, which come alive with colorful decorations, sweets that represent Diwali traditions, jewelry, and handcrafted items. All the popular tourist attractions of the city, including Hawa Mahal and City Palace, are illuminated, and most cultural events are held throughout Jaipur to add more to the royal essence of the city during the festival days.
Kolkata – Diwali and Kali Puja Celebrations
The cities of Kolkata have a celebration of Diwali coincide with Kali Puja, celebrated in regards to Goddess Kali. There is a very different Diwali being celebrated in the city, where the puja of Goddess Kali is merged with the dousing of flames through lightening of diyas and firecrackers. The whole city wears a garment of lights, and you will find huge idols of Goddess Kali being worshiped in elegantly decorated pandals. Millions of people from around the world throng to see the temple during this time of the year. In addition, Kolkata festive markets offer scrumptious sweets, and the streets are thronged by happy celebrants.
Also Read: Himachal’s Hidden Gems: Unveiling the Treasures of the Land of Gods
Amritsar – Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple
Diwali is celebrated in Amritsar along with Bandi Chhor Divas in Sikh tradition which marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison. The sacred pool of the temple is dazzlingly decorated with thousands of diyas. Kirtan (devotional singing), special prayers, and a beautiful fireworks display make for a marvelous Diwali setting at the Golden Temple. Serenity at the Golden Temple with enjoyment of the Diwali celebrations in Amritsar makes it one of the very best places to celebrate Diwali in India.
Ayodhya – A Grand Diwali Celebrations in the birth place of Lord Ram
A town known with name is Ayodhya and that is the birthplace of Lord Ram, but for what remains even more vivid memory than any other festival is Diwali because Diwali marks the date of return of Lord Ram to the city after 14 years of exile. In recent times, Ayodhya has come in people’s eye s through its grand Diwali celebrations-Deepotsav. The Ram Ki Paidi Ghat of the city is illuminated with millions of lamps, making it an achiever in the Guinness World Record for the largest display of diya. Cultural performances, religious processions, and a laser and sound show enacting the life of Lord Ram are the major highlights of the celebration. Ayodhya’s grand Diwali celebrations in 2024 promise to be the destination to be seen. The Diwali 2024 going to be the first ever Diwali of Ayodhya this year
Mumbai – Heritage and Glimmer
Finance capital to the economic powerhouse of India, Mumbai brings together an unmatched blend of traditional Diwali pomp and panache with modern celebrations. Markets groaning and toting a poundage, spectacular fireworks, nights high on energy – it’s all a routine affair in this city during Diwali. The Marine Drive, quite popularly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, happens to be one of the favorite haunts for watching fireworks amidst the skyline of the Arabian Sea. This is where the twinkling lights of Mumbai revive a whole city’s vision of gaiety and revelry with all its festivity to celebrate Diwali in its full glory. From classic puja ceremonies at homes to luxurious Bollywood Diwali parties, Mumbai has it all for you during the festive season.
Udaipur: Diwali in the City of Lakes
Udaipur is a very beautiful city in India to celebrate Diwali. There are some exquisite palaces and lakes in the city, which cast a magical glow at the festival. While celebrating Diwali in Udaipur, all streets and houses are well-lit; even the reflection of the illuminated Lake Pichola creates calm and beautiful atmosphere by itself. This destination offers visitors some strong cultural performances, royal banquets, and a fun boat ride on the lake – making Udaipur the perfect destination to spend a luxurious Diwali.
Delhi – The Capital’s Big Diwali Revellery
The capital city of India, Delhi, celebrates Diwali with unparalleled zest and enthusiasm. Markets after markets, Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place being two of the most popular ones, are ablaze with shoppers in search of traditional sweets, decorations, and gifts. Landmarks like India Gate and Red Fort are beautified in the city as part of the festival touch. Various places across the city host Diwali melas or fairs, featuring large scales of handicrafts, food, and entertainment. Akshardham Temple, which is one of the world’s largest Hindu temples, also comes into the limelight as it organizes a majestic light and sound show on Diwali.
Mysore – Diwali in the land of palaces
Mysore is, par excellence, royal and celebrates Diwali with lavish pomp and panache. The Mysore Palace, one of India’s most iconic landmarks, shines with over 100,000 lights, which heralds the sight and beauty of Diwali. Decorations saturate the streets, and cultural performances mark the festive period. The local Dasara Exhibition extends into Diwali and is very famous, incorporating as it does the best of traditional crafts, food, and entertainment.
Pushkar- A different Diwali at the Holy Lake
Pushkar is a small town in the state of Rajasthan. The Pushkar Camel fair takes place around Diwali time every year. Celebrating Diwali in Pushkar is indeed a unique experience because the holy lake surrounding the town has temples all around it, and doing aarti there in the evening is a very peaceful and spiritual experience. The colorful markets, camel races, and cultural performances in the town make it a great place to enjoy Diwali in a more tranquil and traditional ambiance.
Conclusion
India is a land of cultures, and Diwali, one of its most important festivals, is celebrated with great enthusiasm at almost every corner of the country. It is offered in spiritual ambiance in Varanasi, royal celebration in Jaipur, and in the glamour of modernity in Mumbai. In 2024, these destinations will not only light up with joy of Diwali but will also offer unforgettable memories for those travelers looking to experience the festival in its true essence.
