India with its huge cultural diversity, brings together people despite their backgrounds. Diwali is a festival which is celebrated with great fervour in the country. The festival of lights is a big one for our country, and this year it is all the way more special as the Diwali holidays are clubbed together with a weekend, doubling the celebrations. You can of course plan a relaxing week-long staycation but if you're the type who likes to experience the grandeur of the festival, you can always head to any of these destinations to explore how the world celebrates Deepavali. With a new set of rituals, new local traditions, and local festive food, make this Diwali a perfect cultural trip.
Here are some of the best places to visit on Diwali this year
1. Varanasi
One of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in India, the celebrations of Diwali in Varanasi are done in a grand manner. Varanasi is the place where the holy river Ganga meets with the ocean, and taking a dip in the Ganges is the perfect way to begin your Diwali. Among the special things to witness in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti, which takes place in the Dashashwamedh Ghat. With the constant streaming of firecrackers throughout the night, and illuminated candles floating by the river, Varanasi surely hosts a spectacular Diwali celebration.
2. Amritsar
Amritsar is known for being home to the famous Golden Temple. A perfect destination for the Diwali long weekend, the Golden Temple looks spectacular during the festival. Adorned with lights and countless oil lamps that one can witness from far away, the Golden Temple looks absolutely ethereal during the festival of lights.
3. Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes is well known for its beauty. However, the city becomes all the way more spectacular during Diwali. With its vibrancy and with the touch of festivity, Udaipur surely become a great place for spending the Diwali weekend. October and November are the ideal months for visiting the city, and there definitely would not be a better time than Diwali to make a quick trip to the city.
4. Goa
The Goans celebrate Diwali as a festival symbolising the destruction of Demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The city conducts a competition for the people to build the biggest model of the demon, which is then burnt down on the Narakasura Chaturdashi, a day before Diwali. The locals celebrate the festival with long parades on the street, and a lot of fireworks and lights.
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5. Kolkata
Kolkata, the City of Joy celebrates Diwali in the form of Kali Puja. It is another intriguing festival worth witnessing in the city, as the people worship Goddess Kali. Well-known temples in Kolkata, such as Kalighat temple, Belur Math and Dakshineswar hold grand pujas for the festival. A number of tourists come to these temples every year to witness the celebration of the occasion. Beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Kali are worshipped as the city gets adorned with lights.