Diwali in Uttar Pradesh 2025: Dates, Celebrations, and Best Places to Visit

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh is unlike anywhere else in India. It is an awe-inspiring festival of lights where devotion meets grandeur. Imagine millions of diyas glowing on the ghats of Ayodhya and Varanasi, sacred rituals at Prayagraj’s Sangam, and the vibrant Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan radiating festive joy. From record-breaking lamp displays at Ram Ki Paidi to the divine aura of Dev Deepawali on the Ganga, every city adds its own unique flavour to the celebrations.

This blog takes you through the significance of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh, the must-visit destinations, cultural traditions, festive travel tips, and how Club Mahindra stays can make your spiritual journey even more memorable.

In this blog

• Diwali 2025 Dates
• The Significance of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh
• Top Cities of Uttar Pradesh to Experience Diwali
• Other Famous Cities in Uttar Pradesh with Unique Diwali Celebrations
• How is Diwali Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?
• Travel Tips for Experiencing Diwali 2025 in Uttar Pradesh
• Club Mahindra Stays for a Festive Experience

Diwali 2025 Dates

Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when families worship Goddess Lakshmi, light diyas, and enjoy fireworks and sweets.

The festivities begin with Dhanteras on October 18, a day for buying gold and utensils, followed by Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) on October 20, marked by cleansing rituals and home decorations.

After Diwali, Govardhan Puja on October 22 honours Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill, while Bhai Dooj on October 23 celebrates the sibling bond.

The celebrations culminate with Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on November 5, when the Ganga ghats glow with millions of lamps.

The Significance of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh

The Diwali festival in Uttar Pradesh holds profound religious and cultural importance that goes beyond the traditional five-day celebration observed across India. This state, known as the cradle of Hindu mythology, connects deeply with Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after his fourteen-year exile. The cultural traditions of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh are enriched by the presence of sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, ancient temples, and historical sites that have witnessed centuries of devotion.

During Diwali 2025 in Uttar Pradesh, millions of devotees and tourists will gather to witness how each city adds its unique flavour to the festivities. The state government and local communities work together to organise grand celebrations that showcase the rich heritage while preserving traditional Diwali rituals in Uttar Pradesh for future generations.

Top Cities of Uttar Pradesh to Experience Diwali

Ayodhya- The City of Lord Rama

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is the most sacred destination for Diwali in Uttar Pradesh. The festival here honours Rama’s homecoming, celebrated with millions of diyas that illuminate the city. The Ram Ki Paidi Diwali and the grand lighting around the newly constructed Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir make Ayodhya a spiritual and cultural highlight during Diwali.

Rituals and Traditions

Ayodhya’s Diwali rituals are deeply rooted in mythology. Lakhs of diyas adorn Ram Ki Paidi and the Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir complex, while Ram Leela performances retell epic tales. Devotional bhajans, floating diyas on the Saryu river, and temple darshans complete the city’s unmatched spiritual celebrations.

Places to See Here in Diwali

• Ram Ki Paidi: Witness the record-breaking lighting of diyas on the ghats.
• Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir: The centrepiece of Ayodhya, glowing with lights and festive rituals.
• Kanak Bhawan Temple: Known for its ornate Diwali decorations.
• Hanuman Garhi: A revered temple offering special Diwali prayers.
• Saryu Riverfront: Stunning views of illuminated ghats and floating diyas.

Things to Do Here in Diwali

• Attend the Deepotsav festival featuring millions of diyas and cultural programs.
• Visit the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir for darshan and festive rituals.
• Take a boat ride on the Saryu River to witness the glowing reflections of lamps.
• Enjoy Ram Leela performances and savour festive sweets like peda and gujiya in local markets.

Varanasi- The Divine Glow of Dev Deepawali

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, is the spiritual soul of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh. The festival here culminates in Dev Deepawali, celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, when the Ganga ghats shine with millions of diyas. The famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat creates a divine atmosphere, making Varanasi a must-visit destination for Diwali celebrations in India.

Rituals and Traditions
Varanasi’s Diwali traditions include the mesmerising evening Ganga Aarti with priests holding giant lamps in rhythmic sequences, while thousands of diyas are lit on the ghats and floated across the river. Temples organise special pujas, devotional chanting fills the air, and the ghats become a glowing river of light and faith.

Places to See Here in Diwali

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Central site for the spectacular Ganga Aarti Diwali.
• Assi Ghat: Popular for its cultural programs and festive gatherings.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Grand Diwali decorations and special darshan.
• Ramnagar Fort: A Historic fort illuminated beautifully during festivities.
• Manikarnika and Panchganga Ghats: Thousands of diyas lit in remembrance and devotion.

Things to Do Here in Diwali

• Witness the Dev Deepawali celebration with over a million diyas along the Ganga.
• Attend the evening Ganga Aarti for a spiritual and cultural spectacle.
• Take a boat ride on the Ganga to view illuminated ghats from the water.
• Explore festive bazaars selling rangolis, sweets, and brass diyas.
• Capture stunning fireworks and night photography of the ghats.

Prayagraj- A Confluence of Faith and Lights

Prayagraj, revered as the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, holds a unique place in Diwali celebrations in Uttar Pradesh. The sacred Sangam becomes the centre of devotion as thousands gather to light diyas and perform rituals. Diwali here symbolises spiritual purity and divine blessings at one of India’s holiest sites.

Rituals and Traditions

During Diwali in Prayagraj, devotees take ritual baths at the Sangam, believing the waters to be especially purifying. Diyas are lit across the riverbanks, creating a luminous triangle of faith. Temples and ghats host cultural programs with bhajans, classical music, and dance, reflecting the city’s rich spiritual traditions.

Places to See Here in Diwali

• Sangam Ghat: Central hub for rituals, diya lighting, and holy dips.
• Anand Bhavan: Illuminated heritage site linked to India’s history.
• Khusro Bagh: Historical monument glowing with festive lights.
• Triveni Road Markets: Bustling with sweets, rangolis, and festive décor.
• Mankameshwar Temple: Popular temple offering special Diwali pujas.

Things to Do Here in Diwali

• Take part in a holy dip at the Sangam during the auspicious festival.
• Light diyas along the riverbanks to join the collective river of light.
• Attend cultural programs with devotional songs and classical performances.
• Shop at festive bazaars for sweets, handicrafts, and traditional artefacts.
• Explore illuminated heritage sites for a blend of history and celebration.

Vrindavan and Mathura- Krishna's Festive Delight

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan, where his childhood stories are set, celebrate Diwali with devotion and joy. The festival here is linked not only to Lord Rama but also to Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Temples glow with lights, flowers, and festive energy, making this region one of the most vibrant Diwali destinations in Uttar Pradesh.

Rituals and Traditions

Diwali in Mathura and Vrindavan includes elaborate decorations at temples such as Krishna Janmabhoomi and Banke Bihari Mandir. Devotees offer prayers, sing bhajans, and prepare Chhappan Bhog (56 food items) for Krishna. The following day, Govardhan Puja commemorates Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill, a ritual performed with grandeur in Vrindavan.

Places to See Here in Diwali

• Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: The heart of Mathura’s Diwali celebrations.
• Banke Bihari Temple: Known for its enchanting lights and devotional music.
• ISKCON Vrindavan: A hub of festive processions, bhajans, and cultural programs.
• Govardhan Hill: Centre of Govardhan Puja rituals and offerings.
• Dwarkadhish Temple: Famous for its colourful Diwali decorations.

Things to Do Here in Diwali

• Attend the Govardhan Puja rituals and see grand offerings to Krishna.
• Witness Chhappan Bhog at temples and taste festive prasad.
• Join bhajan and kirtan evenings filled with devotional music.
• Take part in processions and cultural programs organised by temples.
• Explore local bazaars for sweets, pedas, and traditional festive items.

Other Famous Cities in Uttar Pradesh with Unique Diwali Celebrations

After exploring the grandeur of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Mathura–Vrindavan, several other cities in Uttar Pradesh also showcase Diwali in their own distinctive style. Each destination reflects a unique mix of history, culture, and devotion, adding more depth to the festival experience.

Lucknow- The Nawabi Glow

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, blends Mughal heritage with Hindu traditions during Diwali. Historic monuments in Lucknow and palaces are bathed in golden lights, while markets like Hazratganj and Aminabad dazzle with chandeliers, festive motifs, and endless shopping opportunities. The city’s inclusive spirit unites communities who share sweets, light diyas, and decorate homes with rangolis.

Gorakhpur- Temple-Centric Traditions

In Gorakhpur, Diwali revolves around the revered Gorakhnath Temple, which becomes the focal point of massive celebrations. Local fairs spring up with crafts, folk dances, and regional delicacies, while artisans showcase unique terracotta diyas that are sought after across the state. The temple-centric atmosphere makes Gorakhpur’s Diwali deeply spiritual and cultural.

Jhansi- The Historic Glow

Jhansi brings history alive during Diwali as the majestic Jhansi Fort shines with thousands of lamps, visible from miles away. Community celebrations include Bundeli folk dances and songs that narrate both local legends and Diwali tales, offering visitors a vibrant mix of heritage and festival spirit.

Kanpur- Ghats and Gatherings

Kanpur transforms its Ganga ghats into luminous spaces decorated with diyas and cultural programs. Alongside this, industrial areas host their own Diwali events, where workers from different states celebrate together, symbolising unity in diversity.

Agra- Mughal Grandeur Meets Tradition

Agra, renowned for the Taj Mahal, creates a mesmerising blend of Mughal architecture and Hindu festivities. Monuments and streets are lit up, while families celebrate with diyas, pujas, and festive sweets. The city’s Diwali experience beautifully combines architectural grandeur with spiritual devotion.

How is Diwali Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh?

Traditional Rituals and Customs

The Diwali rituals in Uttar Pradesh begin days before the main festival with thorough cleaning and decoration of homes. Families create intricate rangoli designs at their doorsteps using coloured powders, flowers, and rice. The lighting of diyas and lamps in the Uttar Pradesh style involves placing them in specific patterns believed to guide Lakshmi into homes.

Modern Celebrations

Contemporary celebrations include organised firework displays, cultural programs in public spaces, and community gatherings. Shopping for new clothes, jewellery, and household items has become integral to how Diwali is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh today. Social media has added new dimensions with families sharing their celebration moments and connecting with distant relatives virtually.

Travel Tips for Experiencing Diwali 2025 in Uttar Pradesh

• Book accommodations early, as hotels fill up quickly during the Diwali festival in Uttar Pradesh.
• Plan temple visits during off-peak hours to avoid crowds at popular spiritual Diwali destinations in India.
• Carry comfortable footwear for walking on ghats during Diwali ghats celebrations.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Try local festive foods like gujiya, kheer, and regional sweets specific to each city.
• Keep cameras ready for capturing the magnificent displays of fireworks and rangoli in the Uttar Pradesh style.
• Use reliable transportation, as public transport gets crowded during festival days.
• Stay hydrated and carry light snacks during long celebration nights.

Club Mahindra Stays for a Festive Experience

For an authentic Diwali experience in Uttar Pradesh, stay at the Praveg Tent City in Ayodhya, located close to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and the dazzling Ram Ki Paidi Diwali celebrations. This unique glamping retreat lets you immerse yourself in the city’s spiritual aura while witnessing millions of diyas lighting up the ghats. Being right at the heart of the festivities, the resort in Ayodhya is the perfect base to celebrate Diwali with devotion, tradition, and comfort.

You can also extend your festive journey to Agra and stay at the Saura Hotel, a Club Mahindra resort, just minutes away from the Taj Mahal. This resort in Agra offers modern comforts while keeping you close to the city’s illuminated monuments and lively markets.

With a Club Mahindra membership, families can enjoy these spiritual celebrations up close or unwind at premium resorts. With 140+ resorts across India and abroad, members have the freedom to combine cultural journeys with world-class stays year after year.

Conclusion

Diwali in Uttar Pradesh is an embodiment of faith and light. The shimmering diyas of Ayodhya, the divine glow of Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali, and the soulful chants along the Sangam in Prayagraj create an atmosphere that feels both sacred and magical.

In Mathura and Vrindavan, the joy of Krishna’s stories adds sweetness to the celebrations, while every city radiates devotion, music, and festive aromas. This Diwali 2025, walk among glowing ghats and sacred temples, and let Club Mahindra complete the experience with warmth and comfort.