Top Places to Visit in India during Diwali 2023

Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’, is an occasion that brings joy and sparkle to millions of lives. But have you ever wondered how this jubilant festival is celebrated beyond your hometown? From the grandeur of Varanasi's Ganga Aarti to the innovative eco-friendly celebrations in Pune, each corner of India offers a unique Diwali experience. If you're looking for the best places to celebrate Diwali in 2023 in India, you're in the right place. Our curated list of the top 7 destinations for Diwali will take you on a mesmerizing journey through India's diverse cultural landscapes, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime festival experience. Prepare to light up your Diwali with travel memories you'll cherish forever!

Best Places to Visit During Diwali 

• Amritsar:

One of the most amazing places to visit during the Diwali festival, Amritsar lights up beautifully during this time. This city, which is known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, witnesses Diwali celebrations on a grand scale. And, as Diwali is celebrated in tandem with Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the return of Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of Mughals, the entire city is decorated beautifully. Special prayers and kirtans are organised throughout the city, while the divine Golden Temple is decorated with different lights, which is a treat to sore eyes. Also, when in Amritsar, don’t forget to relish the authentic Punjabi dishes, which are sure to offer you a memorable experience. 

• Varanasi:

Known to be one of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi celebrates Diwali on a grand scale. From colourful traditional bazaars to the special Ganga aarti to the wonderful display of firecrackers, Diwali festival is celebrated in the city with great devotion and pure enthusiasm. Streets and ghats are lit with innumerable lights and lamps, while hundreds of colourful diyas are floated in river Ganga, thus making this city a sight to behold. Moreover, if you are able to stay for some more time in the city, you can witness the mesmerising and divine Dev Deepavali, which is celebrated 15 days post Diwali festival. 

• Delhi:

Delhi can never go wrong when it comes to Diwali celebrations. Undoubtedly, one of the best cities to witness the magnificence of this festival, Delhi looks no less than a bride. Markets, streets, homes, and different landmarks are decorated beautifully with colourful lights and diyas, thus making the city all the more fascinating. From relishing scrumptious dishes to enjoying family get-togethers to visiting bustling bazaars, Delhi offers diverse experiences during the festival of lights. 

Further, different melas are organised in the city, which are a must-visit. When in Delhi during this festival, you can also attend different theatrical plays and concerts organised at diverse venues, like India Habitat Centre or Kamani Auditorium. Also, the weather during this time is quite pleasant, owing to which you can head out and explore different tourist attractions in Delhi. 

• Jaipur:

Jaipur is another best place to visit in Diwali ,where the festival is celebrated in a splendid manner. Diwali festival in the ‘Pink City’ is all about beautiful lighting, enchanting fireworks, and lively markets, thereby ensuring an experience of a lifetime. The celebrations in the city start with the auspicious festival of Dhanteras with buildings and popular landmarks being decked up with colourful lights, candles and diyas. And, when in Jaipur, don’t forget to visit the local markets wherein you can witness amazing folk performances by musicians, which are sure to leave you captivated and asking for more. 

Furthermore, in these vibrant and colourful markets, you can also look forward to relishing the authentic Marwari delicacies and tantalise your taste buds in no time. And, last but not the least, grab some amazing handicrafts and attractive souvenirs while on your trip to Jaipur during the Diwali festival.

• Mumbai:

Mumbai is all about opulent malls, beautiful beaches, attractive tourist destinations and delectable food. And, when it comes to Diwali celebrations, this bustling city doesn’t lag. From relishing authentic street food at Marine Drive to getting amazed by the colourful fireworks at Juhu Beach to even visiting the local bazaars for indulging in some street shopping, the vibe in Mumbai during Diwali festival is simply amazing and vibrant. The city truly comes alive as different monuments, houses, malls, and bazaars are lit up with dazzling diyas, candles, lights and lamps. Many people also make rangolis in their homes and prepare a range of scrumptious dishes. So, what are you waiting for? Add this lively city to your itinerary for Diwali this year and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

• Mysore:

Mysore, known for its royal heritage and magnificent palaces, takes Diwali celebrations to a whole new level. The city in Karnataka is the best place to visit during Diwali. The iconic Mysore Palace is illuminated with nearly 1,00,000 bulbs, creating a spectacle that transforms the city into a glittering wonderland. The event is so visually stunning that it attracts photographers and tourists from around the globe, looking to capture the palace's shimmering beauty. 

Traditional music performances, folk dances, and art exhibitions around the city offer a rich tapestry of cultural activities that make Diwali in Mysore truly unique. While Mysore is famous for its Dussehra celebrations, its Diwali festivities are also nothing short of royal. The streets are alive with vendors selling aromatic incense, vibrant textiles, and intricate crafts, making it one of the best places to celebrate Diwali.

• Pune:

Pune stands out for its commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable Diwali celebrations. In a city where tradition meets modernity, community organizations and educational institutions often take the lead in creating awareness about a greener Diwali. 

Puneites are increasingly turning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as clay diyas and natural rangolis, instead of plastic decorations and chemical colours. The city also conducts workshops on making recyclable decorations and eco-friendly fireworks. Traditional rituals and customs are observed with much enthusiasm, but what sets Pune apart is the conscientious effort to celebrate while minimizing the environmental impact. From themed pandals that focus on environmental causes to public campaigns that encourage the use of public transport during the festival, Pune offers a blend of tradition and sustainability that's perfect for the environmentally conscious traveller.

Diwali being one of the most important festivals in the country and to be able to witness the above-mentioned cities during the festivity is sure to fill your heart with positivity and mind with incredible memories. So, have you celebrated the festival of Diwali in any of the above destinations?