India is a place of celebrations and cultures, and Diwali is one of the most famous celebrations globally. In India, Diwali, also known as Dipawali, is renowned as the "festival of lights." On this day, the entire country is illuminated. People decorate their buildings and homes with lights and flowers, and they celebrate by lighting fireworks.
Diwali is celebrated in many ways throughout India, with each city having its unique manner of commemorating the event. So, if you're planning a journey to another city to celebrate Diwali, here are some great sites you'll like.
AYODHYA
It is believed that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after a 14-year exile. As a result, the Diwali celebrations at Ayodhya are worth seeing because it is Lord Ram's birthplace. Visitors from all across the country gather to ignite lamps on the banks of the Sarayu River. The event lasts four days, and the city is attractively decked with colored papers, lights, and other handcrafted decorations.
UDAIPUR
Udaipur offers one of the most incredible Diwali festivities in India, which begins on Dhanteras. Local musicians performing folk music in the market, which is lit up with fairy lights, will take your breath away. There are various marketplaces where you may conduct your Diwali shopping and sample some delectable Marwari cuisine. Some of Udaipur’s most well-known tourist sites are Lake Pichola, City Palace, and Lake Palace.
KOLKATA
While the rest of the country celebrates Diwali, the Bengali community observes Kali Puja. It is one of the most prominent Bengali holidays, and it coincides with Diwali. During the Diwali festival, the capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata, takes on a distinct appearance as the city comes alive with Oil Lamps, lamps, candles, and fairy lights. You may also see the magnificent Kali Puja and the lovely Pandals. The primary tourist attractions include Dakshineshwar Temple, Victoria Memorial, and the Indian Museum.
VARANASI
The fourth most excellent spot in Varanasi to celebrate Diwali. You may take a bath in the sacred Ganges and visit the bazaar, which sells ethnic clothing and an extensive range of delicacies. A boat trip at sunset will take your breath away. You may also watch a one-of-a-kind show of firecrackers. The most popular tourist attractions are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dhamek Stupa, and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
GOA
If you enjoy beaches, you will enjoy the Diwali celebrations in Goa. The event here begins with Naraka Chaturdashi, and villagers burn Narakasura effigies. Goa, India's party capital, takes on an entirely different appearance during the Diwali holiday. Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach, and Dudhsagar Falls are all worth a visit.
AMRITSAR
Whereas Amritsar is best known for the Golden Temple, which Sikhs control, the Light Diwali festivities are celebrated tremendously and uniquely here. It was established in 1619, when the sixth Sikh teacher, Guru Hargobind Singh, returned from prison after being wrongfully imprisoned for his views. He was detained alongside several other political leaders who backed him.
Furthermore, Diwali is significant in Amritsar since the Golden Temple's foundation stone was placed in 1577. If you come during Diwali, you will be able to see a spectacular display of fireworks above the Golden Temple. In addition, the temple complex is illuminated by an uncountable number of lights, oil lamps, and candles lighted by pilgrims and worshippers.
PUSHKAR
Pushkar is one such city made up of dunes, lakes, hills, and woods surrounding Pushkar Lake. Spirituality and beauty are two of the many reasons to visit this oasis village. Taking a plunge in Pushkar Lake and seeing the country's only Brahma temple, as well as witnessing the stunning dawn and sunset, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
However, if you visit Pushkar during Diwali, you will be able to experience the Haveli Diwali, an annual camel market. This is a sight to behold since around 50,000 camels take part in this fair, all of them are decked out in bright decorations and clothes, and they are also brought totally to drift the ramp. They also take part in races and trade with them.
JAMMU
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir with a variety of customs. During Diwali, the entire city is illuminated. This is also the time of year when residents in Jammu and Kashmir buy new furniture for their homes. Because Diwali is an ancient practice among Kashmiri Pandits, the family elders fast for the entire day and honor the goddess Lakshmi. Diwali celebrations include wearing new clothes, listening to music, and giving cash as a present.
ASSAM
In Assam, Diwali is celebrated for five days. The home is decked with flower garlands, oil lamps, and lights from the first day. The house's doors are also adorned with mango leaves and marigolds. Dhanteras is the first day when residences are cleansed and adorned to welcome Lakshmi. Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day, Diwali is the third, Balipadyami is the fourth, and Bhai Bij is the fifth.
On the fourth day, food is distributed to the needy, and on the fifth day, sisters mark Tilak on brothers’ foreheads to signify their well-being. Assamese people celebrate Diwali by greeting and blessing one another. Tejpur and Kaziranga are must-see cities during Diwali because they spectacularly celebrate Diwali.
ODISHA
The festivals of lights are uniquely celebrated in Odisha. The event is restricted to the festival of lights and includes Kali Pooja and a Badabadua Daka rite. The city prepares for the Kali Pooja a fortnight in advance, and it is celebrated with much zeal and merriment. Kali statues are installed in various Pandals, and numerous poojas are performed till Diwali.
On the day of Kali Pooja, long marches are held in which the idol is carried inside a temple. The Badabadua Daka is also commemorated by recalling and praying for the day's ancestors and asking them to participate in the festivities. The burning of Jute sticks at the Jagannath temple is a unique Diwali tradition performed to summon the ancestors.
As a result, this Diwali Take a trip with your dear ones to any of these spots and create memories of a spectacular celebration that is unlike anything you have seen in ages!
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