A Guide to Celebrating Diwali in India
Diwali or Deepavali – the festival of lights is an exuberant festival which is celebrated in India with much fervour. Deepavali literally translates to Lamps(Deep) arranged in a row(avali). It is an old rich tradition that has been kept alive by generations that have found meaning in it.
As per the lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the new moon day of Autumn season (October or November) every year. On this day the entire country is lit up with little oil lamps, and fireworks illuminate the night skies. Families dress up for the big day decked in their finery and exchange gifts and sweets to celebrate Diwali with joy, hope and renewed faith in a brighter future.
Diwali is one of the best times to travel in India if you want to involve yourself in its rich culture and traditions.
Diwali in North India
The mythological story behind Diwali in the North is the celebration of Prince Rama’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and after the heroic rescue of his wife Sita from the rival king Ravana of Sri Lanka.
Diwali in Jaipur
If you happen to be in the Pink City of Jaipur during Diwali, you can also enjoy the colourful festivities that take place during Diwali. The Diwali carnival in Jaipur will be overflowing with food stalls with special Diwali treats and women who shop for new Jewellery shopping in the popular Johri Bazaar.Â
As the night descends, you can head to Nahargarh Fort for a breathtaking panoramic view of Jaipur with Diwali light decoration.
Diwali in Amristar
The façade of the stunning Amritsar Golden Temple is illuminated with lights for the Diwali celebration. Fireworks light up the skies above the temple and the borders of the temple’s lake are lit up with candles and oil lamps.
Diwali in Varanasi - Dev Diwali
In Varanasi or Banaras, Dev Diwali marks the return of Lord Shiva to his home in after slaying the demon ‘Tripurasur’. It is on this full moon night that the Gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the River Ganges and join in the celebrations with humans. In the holy city of Varanasi, every year on a full moon night, Dev Diwali, or Dev Deepavali ‘the Diwali of the Gods’ takes place,15 days after Diwali is celebrated in other parts of India. Â
As the sun goes down, every single step of the ghats (steps leading down to the Ganges) and riverbanks glitter with thousands of diyas (oil lamps), which look breathtaking. Besides the ghats, all the temples in the city are also beautifully lit. The flames of millions of diyas glitter in the river competing with the reflection of the moon in the waters. Lighting up the sky with fireworks, playing music and dancing take place along the river Ganga is a treat to witness during Ganga aarti.Â
Dev Diwali Ganga aarti is performed in the evening on the ghats, with huge oil lamps, accompanied by chanting priests and beating drums. During this period thousands of pilgrims and devotees make their way to Varanasi to celebrate, pray and take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges which is believed to wash away one’s sins.
Diwali in South India
In South India, Diwali honours the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura.
Diwali starts early in the morning when the eldest of the family applies Sesame oil on the head for an oil bath. Then continues to wear new Diwali attire to eat Lehiyan to cleanse the digestive system before overeating a lot of savouries and sweets along with the Diwali South Indian food. The family will be off to burst the crackers and fireworks will be lit to celebrate the occasion.Cleaning homes and decorating the floors with the best Kolam (rangoli) designs for Diwali made using rice flour are also a major part of the Diwali celebration.
Diwali In Kolkata
Diwali in Kolkatta (Calcutta) celebrates Kali – who is considered as the divine protector and universal mother. The streets are decorated with colourful idols representing Kali.
Kali Devotees go to temples with offerings of hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice and lentils to Celebrate Diwali with “Maa Kali ‘Â
One Festival- Many Faiths
Besides the Hindus, Jains also observe Diwali as the day that Lord Mahavira attained nirvana (enlightenment) and the Buddhists celebrate it as the day the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, converted to Buddhism.
For the Sikh community in Punjab, Diwali is called Bandi Chhor Divas which is the celebration to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind after 12 years of imprisonment under Mughal emperor Jahangir’s rule.
The entire country celebrates Diwali in their own faith denoting the victory of light over darkness.
The multi-cultural diversity in India allows you to be part of this celebration wherever you are in India during the Season. With our years of expertise and deep knowledge of Indian traditions, Tushita curates unforgettable Diwali tours in India. You can be a part of these celebrations and plan your holidays from mid-October to November.Â
Write to us today!
