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Diwali, also known as Divali, is one of the world's most beautiful festivals. The Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the story of Lord Rama over the Demon King Ravana. The people light diyas (earthen lamps), and thus symbolically celebrate the victory of light over darkness or good over evil.
The word Diwali is actually derived from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali' which when translated means 'row of lamps'. The festival takes place with great pomp and fanfare in India and by Indians around the world. It is a joyous occasion and there are some wonderful places that travellers should head to celebrate Diwali. Here is a guide to 5 Diwali destinations in India.
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Amritsar, Punjab
Preparations for Diwali in Amritsar start usually a few weeks in advance. People devotedly clean and decorate their homes with flowers, as well as artistic decorations made from a blend of coloured powder, known as 'rangoli'. The aroma of the various dishes and sweets will waft through the streets as every home prepares to celebrate Diwali. Everything suggests that there is something important going on, but the culmination of the ceremony takes place on the eve of Diwali when the Golden Temple of Amritsar gets illuminated by thousands of diyas and candles that are further reflected in the water. The festival is a visual spectacle as lavish fireworks streak across the night sky. Travellers coming here cannot resist the festive spirits and can relish on many varieties of sweets while they burst crackers and enjoy the evening.
The illuminated Golden Temple on the eve of Diwali.
Photo Courtesy: Asajaysharma13
Delhi
As Lord Rama's wife Sita is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of both spiritual and material wealth. The celebration of Diwali is also about being thankful for the material prosperity that we are blessed with. This belief becomes especially obvious in Delhi. People flock to commercial centres of the city and enjoy shopping for gifts, new clothes, firecrackers, sweetmeats, etc and gift it to their family and friends. Children are busy seen bursting firecrackers along the streets. On the day of Diwali, the life of Lord Rama is enacted on several stages across the city.
Of Rangoli's and Diya's
Photo Courtesy: Subharnab Majumdar
Jaipur, Rajasthan
If it is hard for you to believe that there can over 2,000 different forms of earthen lamps then you should visit the city of Jaipur during the festival of Diwali. The marketplaces overflow with diyas in forms of various animals, birds, motifs and deities. Apart from the diyas, you can also find abundance of other festive stuff such as firecrackers, local sweetmeats and handicrafts. The locals here celebrate the festival with much pomp and grandeur.
The beauty of lights.
Photo Courtesy: humdingor
Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata has its own version of Diwali that coincides with the date of Kali Puja. The celebrations start a day before the puja, wherein the whole city is lit up with candles, colourful electric bulbs and diyas in order to celebrate the festival. Gifts are handed out to friends and family. Firecrackers are lit up across the city. Also, there is a wide array of sweets that are made available to people. It is a night-long celebration and the festivities tend to last for a few days here.
Firecrackers exploding in the sky.
Photo Courtesy: J Iannone
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi also called 'The City of Lights' is the hub of Diwali celebrations. The Varanasi Ghat; including the steps leading to the holy River Ganges, are illuminated by the light of thousands of diyas, making the Diwali evening spectacular and unforgettable for all those who come here. The entire place is lit up and various offerings are made to the holy Ganges. Devotees come here and pray for a blissful year ahead and enjoy the celebrations.
A puja being done on the banks of River Ganga.
Photo Courtesy: Jean-Pierre Dalbera
