Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan – Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with a special travel plan that promises an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey in Delhi, India’s capital, where the festivities are at their grandest. Visit the iconic Akshardham Temple, beautifully illuminated for the occasion, and witness a spectacular light and sound show.
Next, head to Jaipur, the Pink City, where the markets come alive with vibrant Diwali decorations and special events. Explore the historic Amber Fort, which is adorned with thousands of lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight against the night sky.
Continue your adventure in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Experience the spiritual significance of Diwali with the Ganga Aarti ceremony along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, where thousands of lit lamps are floated as offerings, Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
Proceed to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, where Diwali is celebrated with great fervor. The temple complex is adorned with countless lights, creating a stunning visual display. Partake in the langar (community meal) and witness the fireworks display Diwali Tour Packages.
Conclude your journey in Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Experience the bustling markets, where families shop for new clothes and sweets. Attend cultural events, enjoy traditional sweets like mithai and jalebi, and revel in the mesmerizing firework displays along the iconic Marine Drive.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of India and create lasting memories as you celebrate Diwali across these diverse destinations. This travel plan promises an authentic and enchanting experience of one of India’s most cherished festivals.
How to celebrate Diwali
Diwali is celebrated quite differently across India, demonstrating unity in diversity. One thing that is similar all over the country are the thousands of lights that are decorating homes, villages, towns and cities, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
The beauty of this five-day festival is the unity of five different ideas, as each day has its own religious and historical significance.
Day 1 – Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali is known as ‘Dhanteras’, or the worship of wealth. A custom of purchasing something precious is observed on this day in honor of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. Homes are cleaned and decorated.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali: In the morning of the second day, people wake up early and apply aromatic oils before taking a bath. There is a belief that this removes all sins and impurities. New clothes are worn, Puja is offered, and firecrackers, sparklers, and diyas (oil lamps) are lit.
Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja: Diwali’s main festival takes place on the third day. On this day, it is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi enters homes and blesses people with good fortune. Candles, oil diyas, and electric lights are placed around the house and gifts are exchanged, Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja or Padva: The fourth day of Diwali marks the defeat of Indra by Lord Krishna by lifting the huge Govardhan Mountain. Govardhan is worshipped by making a small hillock out of cow dung, symbolizing this landmark.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: On the fifth and final day sisters prepare a lavish meal for their brothers and perform a tilak ceremony for them. In exchange for gifts, sisters pray for the long and happy life of their brothers.
What Include in Diwali Celebrations?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that holds deep cultural and religious significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Here are some key elements that are traditionally included in Diwali celebrations:
Decorations: Homes and public spaces are adorned with vibrant rangoli (intricate designs made with colored powders), diyas (clay lamps), candles, and string lights. These decorations symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
Puja (Prayers): Families gather to perform puja, a ritual of offering prayers to deities. This typically involves lighting lamps and incense, reciting mantras (sacred chants), and offering fruits, sweets, and flowers.
Sweets and Treats: Diwali is synonymous with indulging in a variety of delectable sweets and treats. Families prepare and exchange traditional sweets like ladoos, gulab jamun, and jalebis. Sharing sweets symbolizes the spirit of togetherness and prosperity Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
New Clothes: It’s customary to wear new clothes on Diwali. Families often shop for festive outfits, signifying a fresh start and the shedding of old, negative energies.
Gift Giving: Exchanging gifts is a cherished tradition during Diwali. It’s a gesture of love and goodwill. Gifts can range from sweets and clothing to household items and decorative pieces.
Fireworks and Firecrackers: Lighting fireworks and firecrackers is a popular part of Diwali celebrations, signifying the triumph of light over darkness. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact, and many choose eco-friendly alternatives.
Feasting: Families and communities come together for elaborate feasts. Special dishes are prepared, and lavish meals are shared with loved ones.
Community and Charity: Diwali emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need. Many families engage in charitable acts, donating food, clothing, and money to those less fortunate.
Cultural Performances: Various cultural events and performances take place, including traditional dances, music concerts, and theatrical performances Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
Lakshmi Puja: On the main day of Diwali, a special puja dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is performed. It’s believed that invoking her blessings brings prosperity and abundance.
By incorporating these elements, Diwali celebrations foster a sense of unity, gratitude, and spiritual enlightenment among families and communities, making it one of the most cherished and anticipated festivals in South Asia.
Diwali is Celebrated by Which Religion?
Diwali is primarily celebrated by Hindus, although it is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Each religious community has its own unique significance and customs associated with Diwali:
Hinduism: For Hindus, Diwali is a significant religious festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is associated with various mythological events, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as well as the goddess Lakshmi’s emergence from the churning of the cosmic ocean.
Jainism: In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the spiritual awakening and enlightenment of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher). It is believed that he attained Nirvana (liberation) on this day, making it a momentous occasion for Jains.
Sikhism: Sikhs celebrate Diwali, known as Bandi Chhor Divas, to mark the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort by Emperor Jahangir. Sikhs also celebrate the day as a symbol of freedom and justice.
Buddhism: Some Buddhist communities, particularly those in parts of Nepal, also observe a form of Diwali, although it may not be as widespread or as significant as it is in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
While Diwali holds different religious meanings and stories for each of these communities, it is universally celebrated as a time of joy, togetherness, and the triumph of light and goodness over darkness and negativity. The customs and traditions associated with Diwali may vary based on the specific religious beliefs and practices of each community, Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
Where to Experience Diwali in India?
Experiencing Diwali in India is an enchanting and culturally immersive adventure. Here are some of the top destinations where you can embrace the full grandeur of Diwali:
Varanasi: This ancient city on the banks of the Ganges River is one of the most spiritually significant places to celebrate Diwali. The ghats come alive with countless diyas (clay lamps), and the Ganga Aarti ceremony is a breathtaking experience. Witnessing the reflection of lights on the sacred river is truly mesmerizing.
Amritsar: The Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest site in Sikhism, is illuminated with countless lights during Diwali. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, and the community kitchen, known as langar, serves thousands of people. The fireworks display is also a highlight.
Jaipur: The Pink City of Jaipur becomes a spectacle during Diwali with its illuminated palaces, vibrant markets, and beautifully decorated streets. The city’s historic Amer Fort is a must-visit, adorned with thousands of lamps that create a magical ambiance.
Delhi: The capital city celebrates Diwali with grandeur. Visit Akshardham Temple to witness a spectacular light and sound show. The markets are bustling with shoppers, and the iconic India Gate is beautifully lit. Fireworks light up the night sky, creating a stunning display.
Mumbai: The vibrant city of Mumbai is a hub of cultural celebrations during Diwali. Marine Drive is adorned with lights, and communities come together for cultural performances and firework displays. Don’t miss the bustling markets and delicious street food, Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
Kolkata: In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja, dedicated to the goddess Kali. The city is beautifully decorated with lights, and you can witness captivating processions and cultural events.
Pushkar: This small town in Rajasthan offers a serene and traditional Diwali experience. The Pushkar Lake and its ghats are lit up with lamps, and the town hosts spiritual ceremonies and cultural programs.
Udaipur: The City of Lakes is transformed into a fairy-tale destination during Diwali. The royal palaces and lakes are beautifully illuminated, and the city hosts a grand Diwali procession.
These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from spiritual and traditional celebrations to grand displays of light and fireworks. Wherever you choose to celebrate Diwali in India, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural traditions and the joyful spirit of this beloved festival Diwali Celebrations By Travel Plan.
