Happy Diwali 2023: Varanasi To Kolkata- Places To Visit During The Festival Of Lights
This Diwali you can set off for a road trip with your friends and family to make the most of the festive season:
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, sparkles the entire country with dazzling lights, vibrant colours and an aura of happiness. The festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil also unites the country where young and old and people from every corner come together to celebrate its diversity.
India is a treasure trove for those who love road-tripping, with several scenic views that will be a visual treat on your way to your destination. The destinations you can visit and the adventures you can have are endless. This Diwali you can set off for a road trip with your friends and family to make the most of the festive season:
Here are a few tings you need to keep in mind as suggested by Greg Moran, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zoomcar:
Things To Keep In Mind If You Want To Go On A Road Trip:
Choose the right vehicle: While the beauty of the views from every highway in India can be unmatched, it’s also best not to underestimate the condition of the roads, especially after the monsoon season. This means that to have a safe and comfortable road trip, it’s essential to choose a vehicle that is resilient, in good condition, and, of course, comfortable to drive. For this, compact SUVs are great choices. If you’re planning on off-roading, then choose a sturdier vehicle.
Pack your bags carefully: Going on a road trip means you’re going to be driving for a long time, i.e., you may not have the luxury of finding large convenience stores, particularly if you’re heading to an offbeat place. So, ensuring your bags are packed with the essentials is crucial. Items like snacks and easy-to-eat foods, water, hand sanitisers, sunscreen, phone chargers, sanitary napkins, blankets, small travel pillows, etc., are must-haves. Apart from this, it’s also necessary to carry your regular medication, if any, medicines for common ailments such as cold, fever, cough, etc., and a small first-aid kit.
Plan your routes: India is a vast country, and while it can be tempting to go with the flow, it’s essential to plan your route carefully. Keep your GPS handy, thoroughly research the route and the quality of the roads you will be taking to avoid unpleasant experiences. Planning your route is also important to ensure your vehicle can be fuelled whenever necessary, and you can find pit stops like eateries, washrooms, etc.
Now, once you are ready for your road trip, let us have a look at the destinations you can visit:
Historical Places To Visit During Diwali:
While the country decks up to welcome its loved deity, certain cities truly stand out for their historical significance. The grandeur of celebrations in these cities makes them the perfect destinations for travelleers seeking a rich cultural experience.
Sandeep Arora, who is the Director of Brightsun Travel listed the following historical places that you can visit this Diwali
1. Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India
Every year, the city resonates with fervour to welcome its king, Lord Rama, with pomp and glory. Being in this city is a mesmerizing experience as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the place. The ghats of the holy Ganga River dazzle with infinite diyas illuminating the night. Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat echoes with the divine sound of prayers and offerings making it a truly spiritual experience. Watching innumerable floating diyas by the banks of Ganga makes you feel the release of negativity and embracing of light within the soul. Yet another mesmerizing experience is to take a boat ride and watch the fireworks and illuminated ghats from the midst of the revered Ganges. As the city adorns itself with a tapestry of lights, one can see the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations.
2. Jaipur: The Royal Splendour
The city celebrates a five-day carnival which begins with Dhanteras followed by Naraka-Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, which commemorates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The third day, Badi Diwali is when people perform Lakshmi puja, light diyas and burst firecrackers. The following two days are marked by Govardhan Puja and Bhai-Dooj. The city's magnificent palaces and forts, including the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, are beautifully illuminated. The fireworks display at the Jal Mahal and Nahargarh Fort is a sight to behold making it an unforgettable experience for tourists.
3. Udaipur: The City of Tranquil Beauty
Udaipur exuberates its unique display of enchanting Diwali celebrations. The Udaipur Lantern Festival draws in thousands of visitors every year to release countless lanterns in the starry night sky. It is also one of the most eco-friendly celebrations of Diwali. The city of palaces is further illuminated with lights and the reflection when falls into the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola is a sight to behold, creating a magical atmosphere.
4. Amritsar: The Spiritual Radiance
Despite being a festival of Hindus, Diwali is celebrated by the Sikhs with equal fervour, for a special reason. This day is celebrated as Bandi Chhod Diwas as it is believed that in 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 other princes came back to Amritsar after being released from prison by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. To mark this day, the magnificent Golden Temple is illuminated while earthen lamps are lit around the sarovar creating a breathtaking sight. The temple complex resonates with melodious kirtan. The fireworks display in Amritsar paints the night sky with a riot of colours. As people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the day, the city exuberates a heartwarming sense of community and togetherness.
5. Kolkata: The Grandeur of Lights
Kolkata's Diwali celebration is unique and unforgettable. The city is famous for its grand Kali Puja, which coincides with Diwali. The streets are adorned with artistic and elaborate pandals dedicated to Goddess Kali. The sound of dhaak fills the air and people from across the city come together to participate in the festivities. The colourful processions, cultural performances, echoes of Rabindra sangeet, and the lighting of diyas create a vibrant and lively atmosphere in the City of Joy.
Temples To Visit During Diwali
Celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India, people eagerly wait for Diwali to immerse themselves in devotion and festivities. Symbolising the victory of good over evil, the festival is usually spent with family, praying and gorging on sumptuous food. However, adventurous souls and those seeking spiritual experiences are keen to go for a fulfilling vacation with their loved ones.
Rikant Pittie, who is the Co-founder, of EaseMyTrip listed the top 8 temples that one can visit during Diwali:
1. Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
What could be a better place to visit Diwali than the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya? The city’s Ram Mandir holds great relevance for Hindus and is one of the sought-after spiritual sites. It is known for its tranquillity, peaceful Ghats, and Hindus’ unwavering faith in Lord Rama. The locals celebrate the festival with grandeur and enthusiasm. They visit the banks of the Sarayu River to light lanterns and tourists visit the ghat to experience the magical aarti time. In fact, last year Ayodhya was featured in the Guinness Book of Records for lighting three lakh diyas during Diwali within a 40-minute timeframe. Hence, visiting this pious city during the festival will be a sight to behold!
2. Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), New Delhi
The famous Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir) in Delhi is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity Lakshmi and the preserver Vishnu. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Delhi and receives a high footfall. Pay a visit to this serene destination during Diwali to seek the blessings of the almighty and celebrate the festival in a true spiritual manner.
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular temples in India, attracting a large number of devotees during Diwali. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, the temple shines bright in glory when decorated with lights and flowers during festivals. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and beautiful carvings. The popular belief is that a visit to the temple during Diwali can help in attaining spiritual enlightenment. Hence, it is recommended tourists visit the destination to celebrate the festival with several other devotees.
4. Kalaram Temple, Maharashtra
The Kalaram temple is situated in the Panchvati area of Nashik city in Maharashtra. It is known as one of the finest modern temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The name, Kalaram literally translates to Black Rama and has been derived as the statues of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman are made of black stone. If stories are to be believed, this was the spot where Rama lived during his exile. What could be a better trip to the destination where tourists can relive the historical saga of Lord Rama’s exile?
5. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi, Maharashtra
Diwali is celebrated with great devotion at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The temple is decorated with oil lamps and flowers. Devotees gather to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Sai Baba, making it a spiritually enriching experience.
6. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. During Diwali, the temple is lit up and a grand aarti is performed. Devotees visit to witness the magnificent temple and participate in the festivities.
These temples offer a unique and spiritually enriching experience during Diwali, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the joy and devotion that the festival represents.
7. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
Diwali, known as 'Kartika Purnima' in Puri, is celebrated with great fervour at the Jagannath Temple. The temple is illuminated with lamps and candles. Devotees take part in a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
8. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is known for its intricate Dravidian architecture. During Diwali, the temple is lit up with countless oil lamps and colourful decorations. Devotees offer prayers, and cultural events add to the festive spirit.
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