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Experience The Festival Of Light Like Never Before At These Best Places To Celebrate Diwali In India

By Sanjay Gouda

Updated - May 9, 202410 min read

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A few days from now, Lord Rama shall come back home and the elated people will welcome him (LIKE ALWAYS) by lightening Diyas, fireworks and disseminating sweets and gifts. Diwali does brighten up people’s mood, businesses and to make it say it actually enlighten the whole country by bringing purity, truth, positivity, and goodness. India is a melting pot of cultures and being such a culturally diverse country, the fashion of celebrating Diwali are many, and the festival has many names like some call it Lakshmi Puja, some name it Kali Puja and few others call it the festival of North India. The truth is everyone celebrates it in one way or the other but the social significance of Diwali remains the same.

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Image Courtesy: National Geographic

 

If we look at it, Diwali is the ideal time to witness the diversity of the country it is indeed intriguing to see the variations in the manner of celebration. However, the social significance of Diwali remains the same for everyone in which they try to bridge gaps in relationships by forgiving and lending a hand in uplifting other’s interests. There is so much more to Diwali than just lighting up Diyas and bursting crackers! This year the festival of light in India will be celebrated on November 07, 2018 Wednesday and if you are in a dilemma as to where to go to experience the best of Diwali in India, then this list below might help you make better choices and help you decide the right place to witness the best of this festival of light and victory.

 

1. Witness The Most Mesmerizing Looks Of The Ganges At Varanasi

Varanasi witnesses true-blue Diwali celebrations, with millions of lights and millions of people. Begin your day with the Ganga Snan (a bath in the Ganges) ritual, followed by exploring the bustling street markets selling sweets and brightly colored clothes. On a boat ride at sunset, soak in the sight of lamps by the shore and the spiritual aura lent by chants and recitals on the riverside. The festivities culminate in loud and colorful firecrackers being set off in every little lane of the city. Stay a week longer to witness the even more festive Dev Deepavali, ‘the Diwali of Gods’, celebrated as part of the Ganga Mahotsav festival to showcase Varanasi’s cultural heritage.

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Image Courtesy: Tour Radar

 

2. Shop Till You Drop During Diwali In Jaipur

The Pink City is ready to host your special Diwali festival trip. The light Festival has involvement from the different markets of the Jaipur, which unite to enjoy events such as ethnic shows, performances and golf clubs, and polo matches to pull visitors. During Diwali, the nighttime of those five-day celebrations, markets have been decked out in lights and keep open till late to permit shoppers the ability to choose their choice. The imperial Nahargarh Fort is a fantastic host to appeal especially after sunset using its lovely light and glorious sight that it offers this lit-up underwater city through the duration of Diwali. That’s undoubtedly somewhere to visit around Diwali before obtaining a cab back to your hotel.

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Image Courtesy: WordZz

 

 

3. Be The Part Of The Grandeur At Udaipur

The city of Udaipur is equally charming, with its majestic lakes glowing with the reflection cast by palace lights and fireworks, creating endless photo opportunities. You can introduce kids to India’s royal history or send them on a camel ride, and indulge yourself in Marwari delicacies and pick out ethnic Rajasthani souvenirs.

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Image Courtesy: Pinterest

 

4. Watch The Golden Temple Dressed Like A Bride In Amritsar

Experiencing Diwali in Amritsar is one of the most magical feeling ever. 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 not only for the people that are celebrating it but also for the people who are witnessing it.

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Image Courtesy:The Hindu

 

5. Cheer As Narakasura Demon Is Set Ablaze In Goa

If you’re celebrating Diwali in Goa, you definitely must be part of two things. One is being part of the Narakasura ritual and the other is gambling. In Goa, the focus of Diwali celebrations is on the destruction of demon Narakasura, by Lord Krishna. Every Diwali, competitions are held in every village and city to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon. They're burned at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali. As gambling is also a popular activity during Diwali, you might want to try your luck at one of Goa's top casinos as well.

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Image Courtesy: Rajesh Royal

 

6. Attend The Grand Kali Puja In Kolkata

Kolkata is quite unique compared to other cities when it comes to celebrating Diwali. This place has its own version of Diwali which occurs somewhere around the same time as the Kali Puja, the celebration of the goddess Kali, the Hindu goddess usually associated with the creative power. Just the day before the Puja, the entire city is lightened with candles, colorful electric bulbs and Diyas in order to celebrate the beginning of the important day at midnight.

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Image Courtesy: Brett Cole

 

7. Be A Part Of The Most Vibrant Diwali Of India At Delhi

Diwali is the most popular time of year for shopping, and special Diwali markets and fairs take place all over Delhi. Dilli Haat at INA holds a renowned Diwali Bazaar in the lead-up to the festival. If you're interested in unique or unusual handicrafts, don't miss the annual Dastkar Festival of Lights Diwali Mela. The Diwali carnival at Delhi's upmarket Sundar Nagar neighborhood has been running for more than 50 years and has rides. The Blind School holds a huge annual Diwali mela too. It takes place on Lodhi Road near the Oberoi Hotel. For all your Diwali decorating needs, head to Matka Market in south Delhi. You'll find an astonishing array of colorful clay Diyas and pots there.

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Image Courtesy: Becoming Phill

 

8. Set Your Eyes To The Sky In Mumbai

Although nothing different happens on Diwali in Mumbai, the view of the city is, however, worth witnessing. Firework is the main attraction here that eventually illuminates the night sky. The best place to witness firework in Mumbai would be Marine Drive, where the already glittering Queen of Arc makes for a perfect background.

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Image Courtesy:Pinterest

 

9. Light The Way For Your Forefathers In Odisha

In Odisha, the Diwali festival is celebrated by remembering one’s forefathers. Kali Puja is performed on the eve of the festival and the family members light up jute sticks and chant the mantra (“O forefathers, come to us in this dark evening, we light your way to heaven. Having Mahaprasad, may you attain salvation on the 22 steps of the Jagannath temple of Puri”) for the deceased. It is a different experience and of course one of the greatest as well, so if you wish to do something new this year, you can visit Odisha.

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Image Courtesy: Dainik Jagran

 

10. Pour Oil In Lamps In Purushwadi

Had enough stress from the city? Need a break? Try visiting this place called Purushwadi. A small village located on a hill along the Mumbai-Nashik highway. Families in this little town light a bonfire on the night of Diwali and cook local food, while infants move from door to door, singing traditional songs, inviting each household to pour oil into their oil lamps, mounted atop a handmade bundle of sticks. If you see yourself celebrating a quiet and peaceful Diwali, this is the place to be.

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Image Courtesy:Buzz Hawker

 

Another destination that I would like to mention is Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. This place holds importance for the fact that this is where 90% of the fireworks used in Diwali in India come from. The illuminated sky on Diwali owes much to this small town and makes us realize the fact that every big thing has a small beginning! Have a Great Diwali!


FAQs

Here are a few simple tips to avoid injury from fire:

  • Always burst fireworks in a wide-open space, outdoors.
  • Keep the area free from trash, debris and other flammable material.
  • Wear close-fitting cotton clothing while lighting fireworks.
  • Wear footwear when walking in or near the fireworks area.
  • Dispose spent fireworks in a bucket of sand or water in a corner.
  • In the case of a simple burn, immediately wash the area with tap water. Seek medical attention if it is a serious burn.

 

Noise Pollution:

  • Loud bursting sounds from crackers can damage the eardrum and cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
  • The bursts of sounds of crackers can cause a hike in blood pressure and in rare cases, even heart attacks among the sick and the elderly.
  • Use earplugs if the noise is too loud and unbearable.
  • Opt for low noise fireworks like sparklers and flowerpots

 

Air Pollution:

  • The dust and chemicals from fireworks can irritate and damage the airways and the eyes.
  • In case of burning sensation in the eyes, wash the eye thoroughly with lots of water.
  • Smoke emitted by toxic chemicals can aggravate conditions like asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
  • Persons with respiratory problems should stay indoors. Wear protective masks while venturing out.
  • High pollution levels can also cause skin allergy and skin rashes.T o avoid skin irritations, wash hands and feet thoroughly after handling fireworks.

 

Calorie Rich and sugary foods:

  • Calorific sweets and snacks are a staple during Diwali.
  • People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure are especially vulnerable and must make healthy food choices.
  • Avoid overindulgence in sugary and oily delicacies to keep acidity and indigestion at bay.
  • Stay hydrated and full by drinking water throughout the festivities.
  • When choosing gifts for friends and relatives, choose healthy nuts and dried fruits over sweets and other unhealthy snacks.

Let the Festival of Lights brighten your path to happiness and good health.
magicpin wishes you a wonderfully safe and Happy Diwali!