Best Diwali destinations in India where festivity meets travel
Discover India's most enchanting destinations where Diwali's radiant glow meets the joy of travel. From the illuminated ghats of Varanasi to the sparkle of Kolkata, every city celebrates the festival in its own magical way. Explore how culture, tradition, and festivity blend seamlessly across India this Diwali season.
New Delhi: Diwali is not just a festival, it is an emotion and celebration of togetherness with love and spiritual essence. As the festival of lights draws near, India transforms into a breathtaking canvas of glittering diyas, vibrant rangolis, and festive fervour. Diwali is the most celebrated occasion in India.
It is a cultural spectacle where all the communities and corners come together with one another and celebrate the festival with uniqueness in each part of the country. With diversity, people celebrate it in many forms, but with a purpose to celebrate grandly with lightings, devotion and love. From the ghats of Varanasi lighting up with millions of diyas, to Kolkata's Kali puja where idols of Kali maa are welcomed and worshipped at home.
This year, skip your usual Diwali celebrations at home and instead opt for an adventurous trip that takes you on a spiritual journey across India, celebrating the festival of Diwali with grandeur and love, offering a distinct way to experience the festival.
Places in India to celebrate Diwali 2025
1. Varanasi
A place synonymous with Deepawali, also famous for its Dev Deepawali, is a must-visit for spectacular Diwali celebrations. Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, where millions of diyas are lit at the same time near the ghats along the Ganges River, along with millions of floating diyas in the river. The reflection of floating and lit-up diyas on the ghats creates a magnificent view, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. With a grand Ganga aarti, light show, drone show, musical echoes all around and a boat ride in the Ganga river while witnessing the beauty of the festival is a celebration in itself.
2. Amritsar
Diwali in Amritsar coincides with Bandi Chhor Diwas, a Sikh festival commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from imprisonment. The Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar decorates and glows up with all its glory, surrounded by shimmering waters and fireworks that light up the night. Along with kirtan and prasad being circulated in the gurudawara 24 hours. Lakhs of devotees visit each year and offer prayers at the gurudwara, and the entire complex lights up with the festivities and devotion of the people visiting. Take a stroll around the complex of the gurudwara and listen peacefully to the kirtan for divine blessings.
3. Kolkata
While the rest of India worships Goddess Laxmi, Kolkata celebrates a unique tradition of worshipping Goddess Kali during the Diwali Pujo, also known as Kali Puja. The temples, city and community places are decorated with red hibiscus flowers and oil lamps. Streets glimmer with light displays, and pandals showcasing the idols of Goddess Kali. For a cultural touch, visit Kumartuli, where artisans being clay idols to life, a perfect blend of culture, devotion and celebration.
4. Goa
Goa celebrates Narakasura Chaturdashi with zeal, unique traditions of pre-Diwali rituals where locals burn the gigantic effigies of the demon Narakasura symbolising victory over evil. The beaches come alive with lights, lanterns and fireworks all around, people coming together to celebrate, and cafes and clubs host theme parties for people to come and celebrate the unique vibe here. A hidden gem of Mapusa Diwali Fair, is not to be missed when here for Diwali celebrations. You can find handmade lanterns, coconut sweets, and Goan traditional decor celebrating the coastal charm with festive love.
5. Ayodhaya
The birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya, celebrates Diwali on a magnificent scale. The Deepotsav of Ayodhya has even made it to the Guinness World Records for lighting over 22 lakh diyas along the Saryu River. The town resonates with Ramayana performances, cultural parades, and fireworks that light up the sacred skyline. The spiritual energy here is unmatched, offering visitors a chance to witness the mythological roots of Diwali come alive.
These places in India do not celebrate a day of festival, but the celebrations are an emotion here and go on for more than just one day. With cities lit up with the festival lighting, lanterns,diyas and festive cheer all around, Diwali in India more than just a day of coming together, it is a cleebration of love, deovtion and festive splendour amdist the spiritual peace.