Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, and in this regard, the lights of Diwali signify destroying all our dark thoughts, giving us the strength to carry on with our goodwill. Book one of the India Travel Tours with the reputed travel agency Titlyy and experience how India celebrates Diwali! Diwali is a time for celebration and introspection.
Explore how the festival is celebrated in the different states of India:
- Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, Diwali signifies celebrating wealth and new beginnings. So, when booking one of the Rajasthan Tour Packages, you will notice that the major cities of Rajasthan, like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, etc., have markets filled with shoppers. The locals usually offer special prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Fruits and sweets are offered to the deities, and people arrange diya lamps in and around the home to attract Lakshmi’s attention.
- Uttar Pradesh
Diwali is a big festival in Uttar Pradesh as it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The ghats of Varanasi get lit up with the luminescence of diyas. Also, the state organizes grand aartis. Make sure to have ample time to spend along the ghats to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Diwali whips Varanasi into a fervent frenzy, presenting a show of firecrackers and fireworks throughout the night. People celebrate Diwali here with a massive aarti right at the shore of the grand Ganga and illuminate the ghats with diyas and candles, some of which float on the river. Two weeks after official Diwali celebrations, people celebrate Dev Deepavali, a bigger celebration with large processions of deities through the streets and ghats lit with lamps.
- Tamil Nadu
Booking one of the South India Tour Packages will also give you the opportunity to celebrate Diwali in a grand manner. Tamil Nadu celebrates a day in advance as the Tamil Calendar links the festival to the month of Aipasi. Locals clean their ovens and fill containers for the oil bath that usually takes place before sunrise. Elderly members rub Gingelly oil onto the younger member’s scalps. After the sacred rituals, much feasting and merrymaking follow.
- Odisha
Diwali in Odisha builds a light way in the dark. People set up Tall bamboo poles outside homes, with an earthen pot tied on the pole through a rope. They place a glowing lamp inside each pot, adding its luster to the bamboo shoots. The locals believe that lighting the dark help their ancestor’s spirits find their way to heaven. Burning sticks encourage the ancestors to shower their blessing on the family before departure.
- Lake Of Shining Waters – Kashmir
Head to Kashmir to celebrate Diwali, where the Kashmiri Pundits celebrate Diwali with huge enthusiasm. They throw out the broken and unwanted objects of the house and light up the home with a warm glow. People offer Prayers to the Goddess Lakshmi and distribute Sweets, dry fruits, and traditional Diwali dishes. The celebration is incomplete without a visit to Dal Lake, where millions of diyas float on the lake’s surface. You will love the experience of watching the snow-capped mountains encircling the glowing lake.
- Burning Evil– Goa
Goa celebrates Diwali in a slightly different manner. The legend behind Diwali here involves Krishna’s slaying of the demon king Narkasur using the Sudharshan Chakra. People there burn down the effigies of the demon king, symbolizing the history of light over dark and good over evil.
Each part of India celebrates Diwali in a different way, though the light unites everyone during this festival. Celebrating Diwali is a sacred festival. So take advantage of the festive cheer and the holiday season by booking one of the India Private Tours to any part of the country with Titlyy and experience the beauty of Diwali this year.