September 26, 2025
Diwali in Uttar Pradesh 2025: Dates, Celebrations, and Best Places to Visit

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September 26, 2025
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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, it 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.
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.
Diwali will be celebrated on October 21, 2025, with festivities from Dhanteras on October 18 to Bhai Dooj on October 23. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi will be observed on November 5, 2025.
Ayodhya’s Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and Ram Ki Paidi, Varanasi’s Ganga ghats, Prayagraj Sangam, and the Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan are the most famous destinations.
With millions of diyas, Ganga Aarti, Ram Leela plays, Govardhan Puja, and festive bazaars showcasing rangolis, sweets, and handicrafts.
Yes, international and domestic tourists are welcome at public celebrations, temple events, and cultural programs.
Popular festive treats include gujiya, peda, kheer, and laddus, enjoyed in homes and sold in bustling markets.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 300,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.