Known as the festival of lights, Deepavali or Diwali is majorly an Indian festival rejoicing the triumph of good over the veil, light over darkness. On this day, the houses, streets, work places are decorated by colourful lights and candles (locally called diya).
Being prominently a Hindu festival, it is said that on the day of Diwali, Lord Ram, a King exiled for fourteen years in the forest, returns to the kingdom of Ayodhya. As stated in mythology, this day was devoted for reception and joy and the whole city of Ayodhya was lit with lamps.
Some of the major cities to visit during Diwali
Delhi:
Diwali in Delhi starts from Dussehra itself. There are banners and placards everywhere in the National Capital Territory. Several temporary stages hosting the “Ramlila”, a dramatic depiction of the life of Lord Ram, culminating with the 10-days battle between Ram and Ravan (described in epic Ramayana) are performed on this day. The major commercial centres of Delhi get packed with shoppers and shopping offers. People start to splurge on new dresses, gifts, fruits, sweets and firecrackers for the preparation of Dhanteras and the Diwali
Jaipur, Rajasthan:
a visit to the pink city during the Deepavali would remain as one of the memorable moments of life. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination both for domestic as well as for international travelers. The entire city remains decorated in bright and colourful lights. Handicrafts, firecrackers, gift items, and local traditional clothes also flood the marts during Diwali. Each year, notably, a contest is held to award the best-decorated market.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
A remarkable place to celebrate Diwali is Uttar Pradesh. The state wears a colourful look throughout the festival of lights. If you have to choose one place in UP, then pick Varanasi – “the holy city of India.” On Diwali evening, the 50 odd Ghats of Varanasi are illuminated with thousands of diyas (i.e. earthen lamps) transforming the proverbial “city of lights” into mesmerizing reality.
Kolkata, West Bengal:
“Shyama Puja” or “Kali Puja” is Kolkata’s answer to Diwali. The date of the puja coincides with Diwali. According to the Hindu mythology, “Kali” is treated as the “Shakti” (i.e. the goddess of Power). During the puja, which generally takes place at midnight, people try to appease the goddess with live offering of lamb or buffalo. The “prasad” (i.e. food offered to the deity) is then shared among the devotees. A day prior to the puja, little candles, diyas, and small-decorated electric bulbs, light up the “city of joy.” On the day of the puja, firecrackers cover the sky displaying a fascinating array of fireworks.
Amritsar, Punjab:
The Golden Temple of Amritsar is draped with brightly lit diyas on the Diwali evening making it an extravagant spectacle for the onlookers. The reflection of the diyas on the water creates a truly magical environment. With weeks in advance, the authorities start to plan for the day. Each house is decorated with leaves, flowers and other pretty items with rangolis (i.e. a popular art form done with powder and colours) featuring on the entrance. All the locals prepare various sweets and dishes to share them with friends, relatives, neighbors and community. The Diwali night sees spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu:
70 km south of Madurai in Virudhunagar district, one would come across this bustling industrial town, nicknamed as “Kutty Japan” (i.e. meaning “Little Japan” in Tamil.) This lively little industrial town is known to provide the logistics support to the fireworks that take place all over the country! About 90% of India’s fireworks solutions, which are mainly showcased on Diwali, come from the factories of Sivakasi.
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