Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. This festival of lights symbolizes several things, like the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair. Before Diwali,clean-up drive is a must in everybody’s homes, there are numerous rituals that are performed. Diwali is celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana who returned to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali celebrations differ all over the country. While lighting lamps and bursting crackers form the main part of the festivities, there is much more to this festival.
Here's list of 5 incredible Indian places you must visit during this festival:
Jaipur:
The pink city is adorned in varied colours and lights. Houses, markets, temples all are lit up with colful diya's, decor and music musicians can be seen on the streets of the city. The markets sell over a thousand types of earthen lamps in many shapes, sizes and colours. The decked up markets are flooded with traditional clothes and handicrafts. Apart from a feast to the eyes, you can treat your palate to delicious sweets and food items.
Amritsar:
The festival is celebrated in Punjab and Amritsar i particular because the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali in 1577. Sikhs celebrate it since the day marks the return of Guru Hargobind Sahib from Mughal captivity.Apart from the spectacular fireworks display, thousands of lamps are lined u along the edge of the lake that make the Golden Temple shine brighter than ever.
Varanasi:
Varanasi celebrate Diwali with the rest of the country, the bigger celebrations take place a fortnight Diwali. Known as Dev Deepavali (or Diwali of the Gods) sees grand shows at Ravidas Ghat and Rajghat to welcome the gods who it is believed descend to earth to bathe in the Ganges. This is the day of the Tripura Purnima Snan and people take a holy dip in the Ganges. The five-day-long festival starts on the 11th day of the month (Prabodhini Ekadashi) and it ends on the 15th day (Kartik Poornima). The festivities have gained so much popularity that a festival called Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated along with Dev Deepavali in order to attract more crowds.
Gujarat:
Diwali celebrations begin on the 11th day of Aso, two days before Dhanteras.In the course of the week, cows and calves are worshiped. The fall of the demon Raktavija is celebrated and a spectacular display of fireworks lights up the sky night after night.Food and sweets adds mor brightness to the celebration in the city.
Goa:
Diwali in Goa and its surrounding areas begins on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. While cleaning the houses is a norm all over. Effigies of Narakasura made up of Paper gives a scarry look, filled with grass and firecrackers, symbolising evil are made on Naraka Chaturdashi, and then burnt down around four in the morning the next day. While traditions in Goa can be observed and you can also enjoy a vacation by visiting the beaches and casinos.
