After the lavish celebrations of Dussehra, the nation eagerly anticipates Diwali, which commemorates several mythical and historical events. Diwali is one of the prominent festivals celebrated in India. Known as the "festivals of lights," people essentially celebrate this by lighting up their homes and buildings and setting off fireworks.
Being such a significant occasion in India, Diwali is observed in many places across the country in various ways. Here are 5 interesting places that you may visit during Diwali.
1. Ayodhya
One of the seven holy towns to the Hindus is Ayodhya, which is situated in Uttar Pradesh beside the Sarayu River. Since it is said to be the site of Lord Rama's birth, it plays a significant part in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Ayodhya is also known for heralding the festival of Diwali with unparalleled splendour. Tourists may experience a wealth of colour and spirituality in Ayodhya, which has grown to be a prominent spiritual hub. The traffic-free lanes of Ayodhya, the home of several temples representing various religions, are fascinating enough. Interestingly, Ayodhya lit more than 3 lakh clay lanterns along the banks of the glittering Saryu River in 2018, earning the city a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
2. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, which is situated in Rajasthan, is well known for its desert, but here Diwali is celebrated in its own style. The entire town is illuminated with lights on Diwali. A lot of tourists visit Jaisalmer specifically to attend the Diwali spectacle. A variety of events also take place during this time.
Additionally, a sizable fair is put up where camels can be ridden and one can also witness a camel act. Not just that, folk music is also played everywhere and folk singers can be seen performing.
Due to its golden dunes and castles covered in golden honey sandstone, it is referred to as the "golden city." Lakes, elaborate Jain temples, and Havelis characterise Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort is a fortification with winding lanes that have been used by locals for decades and stores that sell vibrant handicrafts.
Jaisalmer is hence a synthesis of the exotic Indian desert culture, tradition, and adventure.
3. Pushkar
Many people travel to Pushkar to celebrate Holi, but they also shouldn't miss the city's Diwali events. Pushkar is surrounded by wildness and sand dunes as well as lakes and mountains. The spirituality and majesty make this place pleasant for a trip. A once-in-a-lifetime event would be swimming in the Pushkar Lake and visiting the only Brahma temple in the country, both of which include breathtaking views of the sun rising and setting.
However, on visiting Pushkar around Diwali, one may see the Haveli Diwali, and a delightful camel fair in which around 50,000 camels take part all dressed up in bright colours which makes it a wonderful sight.
4. Gujarat
Gujarat is a synthesis of contemporary thought and ancient customs. The Rann of Kutch has incredible lunar surface-like beauty on one side, while the Gir National Park's rich flora is a delight to the senses on the other. Long expanses of beaches are waiting at Mandvi and Dwarka on the one hand and Vadodara's stately forts on the other.
In Gujarat, Diwali symbolises the end of one year and the start of another. A lavish celebration of Diwali takes place in the state. All five days, rangoli is laid out, and houses are decked with diyas. Processions are carried out, and tribal-style ceremonies are also quite popular. For Gujaratis, giving gold as a gift is a significant ritual. Sweets aren't particularly popular, but delicious foods like samosas and aloo Tikki are produced and served in homes.
5. Kovalam
Three nearby crescent-shaped beaches make up the well-known Kovalam beach. Since the 1930s, travellers have made it their favourite hangout. A large rocky outcropping on the shore has formed a stunning harbour with calm seas perfect for swimming.
Although Diwali is not the main festival in Kerala, it is nonetheless celebrated with great pomp. The Kovalam beach is a must-see if you're in Kerala around Diwali. A large group of visitors gather here to ignite Diya and set it on the beach's sand. On Diwali, the entire beach will be illuminated, not to mention the accompanying firecrackers.