Diving into the Vibrant Tapestry of Diwali Celebrations Across India

Dussehra is a 10-day Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is also known as Vijayadashami, Rama Lila, and Dashain. The festival is celebrated in different ways across India, depending on the region and the local traditions.

Udaipur

• The three-day Udaipur Lantern Festival is held in the city’s Lake Pichola neighbourhood. Thousands of light lanterns are launched into the sky as part of the event. The paper and bamboo lanterns are embellished with vibrant lights and are composed of both materials.
• The event also includes cultural acts in the forms of theatre, dance, and music. Additionally, there are food stands and stores that offer local goods.
• A renowned tourist attraction, the Udaipur Lantern Festival is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Diwali in Udaipur.

Varanasi

• On Diwali night, Varanasi ghats (riverside steps) are exquisitely decked with lights and flowers. To purify oneself, people bathe in the Ganges River, and there are a lot of pujas (prayer rituals) happening in the temples.
• The Ganga Aarti, a religious event held on the banks of the Ganges River, is the focal point of the Varanasi Diwali celebrations. Priests conduct the ritual, recite prayers and lit candles in the river.
• Anyone visiting Varanasi around Diwali shouldn’t miss attending the Ganga Aarti, which is a stunning and spiritual event.

Amritsar

• On Diwali, the Golden Temple, the most sacred Sikh temple, is ornamented with lights and flowers. There are several cultural activities held, including theatre, dance, and music. Additionally, visitors are welcome to join in the Langar, a free communal kitchen that is accessible to everybody, regardless of caste or religion.
• The Langar is a wonderful opportunity to explore Sikh culture and traditions and to give back to the neighbourhood.
• The Diwali celebrations in Amritsar are a lively and colourful event, and they offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about Sikh culture.

Jaipur

• The streets and culture of the Pink City are famous for their vibrancy. In Jaipur, Diwali is celebrated with tremendous zeal, and the city is decked up in lights and diyas. There are several cultural activities going on, including theatre, dance, and music. Traditional handicrafts and sweets are popular items to purchase.
• During Diwali, there is a well-known event called the Jaipur Shopping Festival. The festival provides special deals and discounts on a range of goods, including apparel, jewellery, and gadgets.
• You may get some fantastic prices on presents and souvenirs during the Jaipur Shopping Festival.

Kolkata

• Kolkata, India’s cultural centre, is remembered for its extensive past and legacy. This is reflected in the Diwali celebrations, where several cultural activities and performances are taking place. Traditional handicrafts and sweets are popular items to purchase.
• A significant Diwali celebration is the Kolkata Kali Puja. People pray for health, wealth, and happiness at the puja, which is devoted to the goddess Kali.
• The Kolkata Kali Puja is a lively and colourful event that offers a wonderful introduction to Bengali culture.

These are just a few of the many ways Dussehra is celebrated in India. No matter where you are in the country, you are sure to find a Dussehra celebration that is both unique and enjoyable.