India is a country of vast cultural diversity. This is a land where there are maximum number of festivals and religions together. This is the reason why India celebrates the most in the world. Diwali is one of the most famous festivals in the world, celebrated in India. Diwali or Deepavali is also known as the "Festival of Lights" in India, where people basically light up their buildings and homes and celebrate with fireworks.
Since Diwali is such a big occasion for India, different cities celebrate it differently across the country, and everyone gets a big holiday during this period. So, we present you with a list of some best places to visit on Diwali in India that you must visit:
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is the first place when we talk about the celebration of Diwali as it is the birthplace of Lord Rama and marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. You can witness real happiness and joy here. People from different parts of UP come and light lamps on the banks of Saryu River. In fact, about three million lamps were lit and the event was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
Amritsar
Although Amritsar is known for its Sikh-dominated Golden Temple, the light Diwali festivals are celebrated here in a very grand and different way. It was incorporated in the year 1619 when the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh returned from prison who had been illegally imprisoned for his beliefs. He was imprisoned along with several other political leaders who supported him.
Moreover, Diwali is special in Amritsar as the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid in the year 1577. If you visit here during Diwali, you will be lucky enough to witness the magnificent display of fireworks over the Golden Temple. Also, the temple premises are lit by numerous lights, oil lamps and candles, which are lit by pilgrims as well as devotees.
Varanasi
Varanasi or Benaras is considered as one of the holiest places of Hindus in the world. This is the place where the river Ganga meets the sea and is the widest here. If you visit here in Diwali, you will experience the best time here in Varanasi. You will see a constant stream of fireworks and fireworks all night long.
Udaipur
Udaipur is one of the most fun and popular places to celebrate Diwali. During Diwali, all the roofs and doors are decorated and illuminated with lights and fireworks that are reflected on the lake called Pichola. Devotees visit the Mahalakshmi temple at Bhatiani Chauhatta to pay homage to the goddess of wealth.
Another attraction during Diwali is Udaipur Light Festival which has been started by the government since 2012 to bring everyone together and celebrate Diwali in royal style featuring various singers, DJs, styles, art installations, food items, entertainment activities as well as paper performances. Lanterns are located at Shouryagarh Resort and Spa outside Udaipur.
Madurai
Diwali is celebrated on Narka Chaturdashi in the month of Appasi which is said to be the 2nd day of the 5-day Diwali celebrations. South Indians celebrate this festival 1 day earlier than North Indians. During this day, they stroke the oven they use by 4-5 points and fill it with water for bathing the next day. It is believed that oil baths are as sacred as the river Ganga.
Mysore
During Diwali, the entire city is ablaze with lights. The best part, however, is, of course, the Mysore Palace, which is a stunning view at night. The houses are also decorated with dia and rangoli made of colors and designs. Most of the surrounding places are decorated, such as the Brindavan Gardens and the Somnathpuram Temple, which are a must see. Sharing sweets is considered to be a very important part of Diwali celebrations, and sweet stalls are seen in every corner during Diwali.
Goa
In Goa, they celebrate Diwali for the destruction of the demon Narakasur by Lord Krishna. Every year, they organize a competition in every town and village in Goa to see who can make the biggest and worst angle out of a monster that is later burned on Narakasur Chaturdashi, one day before the main day of Diwali.
As gambling is a primary part of Goa, it becomes more popular during Diwali. You can try your luck at one of the top casinos in Goa. Be sure to book a well-established casino as it is difficult to find during the event due to high demand.
Bangalore
Diwali is celebrated with much enthusiasm and grandeur in Bangalore. As the city is diverse in its culture, people gather around to celebrate Diwali. When houses are lit by lamps, shops are decorated with rice lights. During the three days of Diwali, the entire city is ablaze with lights. Bursting firecrackers and eating sweets is also considered auspicious.
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