The heart leaps with joy and festivities reach a crescendo whenever it’s Diwali time! After all, this is perhaps the most gala festival celebrated almost throughout the country.
हिंदी में पढ़ें
Diwali is largely believed to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his home after 14 years of banishment. There are other legends that are also associated with Diwali. For instance, in Karnataka, it is the celebration of Lord Vishnu’s triumph over King Bali.
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Whatever the belief, the spirit of merriment and joy possesses one and all. Here is a look at the different flavours of Diwali across the country.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi makes for a spectacular sight with all its ghats coming alive with thousands of softly glimmering diyas. In fact, on Diwali night, Varanasi literally redefines the epithet ‘City of Lights’ with its elaborate decorations and spectacular fireworks. Make sure that you don’t miss the special Ganga Aarti!
Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata celebrates Diwali in its own signature style and seems to personify the term ‘City of Joy’. Kali Puja or Shyama Puja is held at midnight. The day before the Puja, thousands of diyas, small bulbs, and little candles are used to light up the entire city.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Want to experience a local version of ‘The Strip’ area of Las Vegas? Well, visit the Pink City during Diwali. In fact, the ‘Johari Bazaar’ here is affectionately called ‘The Strip’, when Diwali is around. This is so, because like ‘The Strip’ of Las Vegas, this place also dazzles onlookers with its spectacular decorations. In fact, it’s not just about ‘Johari Bazaar’. All the markets in Jaipur are famous for their Diwali decorations and every year, the most well-decorated market gets a prize.
Amritsar, Punjab
Surprised? Well, the Golden Temple at Amritsar somehow outdoes its magnificence on Diwali. This legendary gold-plated temple is brilliantly lit up and diyas reflect its glitter in the holy sarovar at the temple.
Delhi
You thought we would leave out Saddi Dilli (our Delhi)? No way. Almost every marketplace and commercial establishment is decked up with great aplomb and hordes of happy folks splurge on food and gifts.
Enjoy the “Festival of Lights” to the hilt!
