Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights is the most popular festival that is widely celebrated throughout India. The festivities mark the victory of good over the evil and are an auspicious occasion that symbolizes prosperity and togetherness. The festival of lights also marks the arrival of the Hindu New Year and is elaborately celebrated over 5 days. If you are planning to go on a vacation during these days, it is important to remember that the joy and fun of the festival can be experienced only by participating in the local carnivals with the native people. With this in mind, here are some of the must visit Diwali destinations that are popularly known as places where Diwali is best celebrated!

Watch Scintillating Fireworks over the Ganges from Varanasi:

Varanasi which is popularly known as the “holy city of India”, in all its grandeur, sports a colorful look for the “Festival of Lights”. The entire city is illuminated and a thousand diyas bring the 50 odd Ghats of Varanasi back to life with their magical glow. Vacationers can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the fireworks over the sacred Ganges River through the night or participate in the special Ganga Aarti which is performed at the ghats. The city truly does transform itself into a “city of lights” and gives an enthralling experience for the onlookers!

Celebrate a Golden Diwali in Amritsar:

From colorful rangoli’s in front of homes to the treasured Golden Temple draped in bright lights, the city of Amritsar is the place to be to celebrate Diwali in all its glory and grandeur. Everyone decorates their homes with diyas, flowers and leaves, prepare and exchange sweets with their family and friends and get ready to witness the most spectacular array of fireworks that light up the night sky and the mesmerizing “Golden Temple.” The day also marks the return of the sixth Sikh Guru from prison and thus is an important day for the Sikhs as well. The culmination of all these factors results in extravagant celebrations throughout the city!

Diwali in Delhi:

The nation’s capital begins its Diwali celebration right from the Dusshera days. People splurge in new clothes, gifts, sweets and firecrackers as this metropolitan city gets ready to enjoy the most important Hindu festival. There are numerous stage shows arranged by locals which depict Lord Rama’s life and show his day battle with King Ravana. The streets and shopping markets are packed with shoppers who are in a jubilant mood and are busy doing last minute shopping before all the festivities begin. The people, noise, fireworks, delicious food, great shopping are all a once in a lifetime experience for visitors!

Enjoy The Romance Of The Pink City – Jaipur:

The quintessence of Diwali is experienced through the warm glow of the innumerable lamps that illuminate homes and streets. There is no other better place than Jaipur, the Pink City to experience this in a grand way. In Jaipur, not only homes, temples and streets, but entire markets are draped with lamps and diyas. The city also holds a contest and picks the best illuminated market as the winner. During the festival days, the markets house over 2000 varieties of earthen lamps in various forms such as birds, animals or deities. It is the best place to shop for traditional clothes, handicrafts and gifts! It is without doubt the most popular destination amongst young couples and westerners.

The entire country looks forward to this bright and colorful festival as it is a time when friends and family come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and togetherness!