Wondering where to celebrate Diwali in India for an unforgettable experience? Known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali is celebrated across the country with grandeur, vibrant traditions, and unique regional flavors. From the illuminated ghats of Varanasi to the bustling markets of Jaipur, each destination offers a distinct way to enjoy the festivities.
Whether you’re exploring cultural hotspots, soaking in festive lights, or indulging in luxury stays, these top Diwali destinations in India promise memorable experiences for couples and families alike. Planning ahead ensures you can make the most of the holidays, discover new traditions, and celebrate in style.
Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, is celebrated for various reasons deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and Indian culture. Here are three main reasons why people celebrate Diwali or Deepawali:
Celebrating the Return of Lord Rama
Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. This homecoming symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, with the people of Ayodhya lighting diyas (oil lamps) across the city to welcome him back.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Another key aspect of Diwali celebrations is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe she visits their homes on Diwali night, blessing them with wealth and success for the coming year. This is why homes are cleaned, decorated, and illuminated during the festival.
Spiritual Renewal
Beyond rituals, Diwali is a time of joy, positivity, and togetherness. Families exchange sweets, renew relationships, and celebrate love and harmony. The festival also brings cultural richness through Diwali stories from Hindu mythology, making it a truly universal celebration.
Here are 10 Best Places to Visit in Diwali in India in 2025
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi lights up like nowhere else during Diwali. Thousands of diyas glow along the sacred Ganges, while the air vibrates with chants, music, and ritual flames, creating a magical, unforgettable experience. Dev Diwali, about two weeks after the main festival, brings vibrant processions, cultural performances, and floating lamps that make the city truly come alive.
Pro Tip: Arrive before dusk at Dashashwamedh Ghat to secure a front-row view of the Ganga Aarti. Luxury and boutique hotels near the ghats let you soak in the festivities from dawn till night.
Things to Do in Varanasi During Diwali:
✅ Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat for a perfect spiritual experience.
✅ Float diyas on the Ganges and participate in this magical tradition.
✅ Explore the Ghats by boat during evening hours to witness illuminated temples and steps.
✅ Attend Dev Diwali processions packed with cultural performances and local rituals.
✅ Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple to seek blessings.
✅ Stroll through the local markets to pick up traditional diyas, sweets and festival crafts.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur dazzles during Diwali, turning streets, markets, and landmarks into a festival of lights. MI Road glows with elaborate decorations, while local competitions for the best-decorated markets bring a playful, vibrant energy to the city. Don your ethnic wear and discover interesting details about Jaipuri safa as you stroll past illuminated Hawa Mahal and bustling bazaars, soaking in the infectious festive spirit.
Pro Tip: Head to Mirza Ismail Road (a.k.a. M.I. Road) in the evening for the most stunning light displays. Stay at a boutique hotel in the city center to enjoy both comfort and easy access to Diwali festivities.
Things to Do in Jaipur During Diwali:
✅ Walk M.I. Road and marvel at the illuminated street decorations and local market contests.
✅ Shop at Johari and Bapu Bazaar for traditional crafts, diyas, and festive gifts.
✅ Visit Hawa Mahal and City Palace and see these iconic landmarks lit up for Diwali.
✅ Attend cultural performances to enjoy folk music, dance shows, and Diwali fairs.
✅ Taste local festive treats like ghewar, laddoo, and other Rajasthani delicacies.
✅ Experience a royal Diwali tour by staying at hotels and palaces with special Diwali events.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur transforms into a sparkling wonderland during Diwali. Palaces, ghats, and streets glow with countless diyas, while the City Palace and surrounding heritage buildings are beautifully illuminated.
The Lake Pichola Diwali Mela brings festive energy to the lakeside, and evening boat rides reveal floating lamps reflecting across serene waters, creating a fairytale-like spectacle. Traditional performances, music, and local rituals make every corner of the city pulse with celebration.
Planning to stay close to City Palace Udaipur? Here’s our list of handpicked hotels near City Palace Udaipur to help you make the most of your time and stay close to local attractions.
Pro Tip: Take an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola for the best views of illuminated ghats and palace lights. Seek blessings at Jagdish Temple and explore the old town on foot.
Things to Do in Udaipur During Diwali:
✅ Witness the City Palace illuminations during Diwali festivities.
✅ Attend the Lake Pichola Diwali Mela for cultural performances, local food, and crafts.
✅ Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to see floating diyas and illuminated ghats.
✅ Explore local markets and malls for traditional Rajasthani crafts and festival souvenirs.
✅ Experience folk music and dance shows during evening hours at Bagore Ki Haveli.
✅ Visit Jagdish Temple and seek blessings and participate in rituals and spirituality.
4. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata truly comes alive during Diwali with Kali Puja, a festival uniquely celebrated here. Streets, homes, and markets glitter with diyas, while elaborately decorated pandals host midnight rituals, prayers, and Tantric offerings to Goddess Kali.
The city’s vibrant energy pulses through cultural performances, local music, and the aroma of festive sweets like sandesh and misti doi, making every corner a feast for the senses.
For a comfortable stay, you can choose from boutique and budget hotels in Kolkata that put you close to the action, allowing you to enjoy both the celebrations and the city’s vibrant charm.
Pro Tip: Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple or neighborhood pandals around midnight to witness the full intensity of Kali Puja. Stay in boutique hotels near central Kolkata for easy access to both markets and celebrations.
Things to Do in Kolkata During Diwali:
✅ Visit elaborately decorated Kali Puja pandals to experience rituals and artistic displays.
✅ Attend midnight worship at Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
✅ Stroll through bustling markets to shop for diyas, sweets, and traditional crafts.
✅ Taste festive Bengali sweets and indulge in sandesh, mishti doi, and other Diwali treats.
✅ Enjoy cultural performances, music, dance, and street performances during the festival.
✅ Explore heritage neighbourhoods and admire lights and decorations across the city.
5. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad glows with vibrant lights, intricate rangolis, and the joyous energy of Diwali. Streets and homes shimmer with diyas and lanterns, while families exchange sweets and perform traditional rituals.
The city’s Vaag Yatra and cultural processions add a unique Gujarati flair, and the celebrations extend into Bestu Varas (Gujarat’s New Year) the day after Diwali, making it a festive two-day experience. The Sabarmati Riverfront becomes a hub of light, music, and communal celebration, creating a magical evening atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Visit the Sabarmati Riverfront in the evening for light displays and local festivities. Choose boutique or heritage hotels nearby for easy access to both rituals and cultural experiences.
Things to Do in Ahmedabad During Diwali:
✅ Admire rangolis and illuminated homes across neighbourhoods.
✅ Participate in Vaag Yatra and experience Gujarati cultural performances.
✅ Visit the Sabarmati Riverfront to enjoy lights, music, and communal Diwali celebrations.
✅ Savour traditional Gujarati sweets and snacks like Fafda, jalebi, and more.
✅ Explore local markets to shop for diyas, handcrafted decorations, and gifts.
✅ Experience Bestu Varas celebrations and New Year rituals the day after Diwali.
6. Pune, Maharashtra
Pune lights up with akash kandil lanterns, vibrant decorations, and the aroma of festive faral snacks filling the air. Traditional Lakshmi Puja is celebrated in old wadas (heritage homes), while bustling streets like Laxmi Road and Tulsi Baug hum with shoppers and festival energy.
The city blends age-old rituals with youthful vibrancy, fireworks, cultural programs, and Diwali parties give Pune a modern festive flair without losing its traditional soul.
Pro Tip: Visit Laxmi Road in the evening for the best festive shopping and illuminated street views. Stay at boutique hotels near the city center to easily enjoy both traditional rituals and modern celebrations.
Things to Do in Pune During Diwali:
✅ Admire akash kandil lanterns hung across various Pune homes and streets.
✅ Participate in Lakshmi Puja in wadas to experience traditional rituals in heritage homes.
✅ Shop at Laxmi Road and Tulsi Baug to find sweets, diyas, and festive gifts.
✅ Attend cultural programs and Diwali parties.
✅ Watch fireworks displays at local parks and open spaces light up the night sky.
7. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
For a peaceful Diwali away from city crowds, Mahabaleshwar offers lush valleys, panoramic viewpoints, and charming hill-station vibes. During the festival, the town comes alive subtly with lantern-lit streets, decorated squares, and local sweet shops.
Visitors can enjoy the early strawberry season, while homestays and resorts serve festive meals, blending local flavors with traditional Diwali charm. Crisp air, serene landscapes, and cozy accommodations make this a perfect getaway for families and couples alike. Check out our list of handpicked hotels in Mahabaleshwar for every budget and travel style.
Pro Tip: Book a hilltop homestay or resort in advance to enjoy quiet Diwali evenings with panoramic views. Evening strolls under lantern-lit streets enhance the festive atmosphere.
Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar During Diwali:
✅ Explore lantern-lit streets and decorated squares to enjoy the festive vibe.
✅ Taste local Diwali sweets and strawberry treats made locally.
✅ Take nature walks and viewpoints for crisp air and panoramic vistas during the festival.
✅ Stay at homestays offering festive meals to experience traditional Diwali hospitality.
✅ Visit Venna Lake for paddle boats, stroll, and enjoy quiet celebrations.
✅ Shop for local handicrafts and strawberry products as a souvenir.
8. Goa
In Goa, Diwali takes on a unique coastal twist, coinciding with Narak Chaturdashi. Locals burn effigies of the demon Narakasura on beaches, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Lanterns, fireworks, and vibrant decorations illuminate towns like Panaji and Margao, while Catholic-Hindu influences mingle in festive rituals and community gatherings.
Local markets bustle with sweets, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats, offering visitors a blend of tradition and coastal celebration.
Pro Tip: Witness Narakasura effigy burnings at beachside events in the evening for a truly unique Diwali experience. Stay at beachfront resorts or boutique hotels to enjoy both traditional festivities and Goa’s lively nightlife.
Things to Do in Goa During Diwali:
✅ Attend Narakasura effigy burnings on beaches to experience local rituals.
✅ Watch fireworks over the Arabian Sea, a rare coastal Diwali spectacle.
✅ Explore local markets for sweets, handmade crafts, and festive décor.
✅ Participate in Catholic-Hindu community celebrations.
✅ Stay at beachfront resorts or boutique hotels for traditional rituals with lively nightlife.
✅ Take evening beach strolls to soak in lantern-lit towns and the festive atmosphere.
9. Mysuru, Karnataka
Mysuru glows with festive lights during Diwali, with the Mysore Palace beautifully illuminated and streets adorned with lanterns and rangolis. Local markets like Devaraja Market come alive with lamps, festive sweets, and traditional crafts, while the aroma of Mysore Paaka fills the air.
Cultural programs and community rituals create a warm, royal celebration unique to Mysuru, making it a standout Diwali destination in South India.
Pro Tip: Visit Mysore Palace in the evening to witness the grandeur of its Diwali illumination. Stay in heritage hotels near the palace for easy access to markets, festivities, and cultural performances.
Things to Do in Mysuru During Diwali:
✅ Marvel at the Mysore Palace illuminated for festive celebrations.
✅ Shop at Devaraja Market for lamps, sweets, and local Diwali crafts.
✅ Taste Mysore Paaka and other local sweets – A South Indian Diwali staple.
✅ Enjoy cultural programs and rituals like music, dance, and temple ceremonies.
✅ Stroll through lantern-lit streets to soak in the festive ambiance.
✅ Explore heritage hotels that combine comfort with proximity to celebrations.
10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal offers a peaceful Diwali retreat amid lush hills, misty valleys, and crisp air. The town sparkles with lights, decorations, and local cultural events, creating a calm yet joyful festive atmosphere. Stroll around Kodaikanal Lake as lanterns glow along the promenade, and savor seasonal treats and handmade crafts at local markets.
Boutique and luxury hotels provide cozy stays, letting visitors enjoy both the festival and the serene beauty of this hill station. Check out our list of handpicked hotels near Kodaikanal Lake for comfortable stays and breathtaking lake views.
Pro Tip: Take an evening walk around Kodaikanal Lake to see lantern-lit streets and the festive ambiance. Book a boutique hotel near the lake for scenic views and easy access to local celebrations.
Things to Do in Kodaikanal During Diwali:
✅ Stroll around Kodaikanal Lake and enjoy lantern-lit pathways.
✅ Explore local markets to shop for festive treats, handicrafts, and seasonal goodies.
✅ Attend cultural events to experience local Diwali traditions.
✅ Stay in boutique or luxury hotels that combine comfort with festive immersion.
✅ Visit Coaker’s Walk and viewpoints to enjoy scenic vistas during Diwali evenings.
✅ Taste hill-station Diwali specialties like seasonal sweets and local treats.
Choosing the Best Place to Visit in Diwali in India
Diwali in India is more than just a festival — it’s an explosion of lights, traditions, and cultural experiences that changes from city to city. Whether it’s the spiritual aura of Varanasi, the royal glow of Jaipur and Mysuru, or the coastal charm of Goa and Mahabaleshwar, every destination offers something unforgettable.
If you’re planning to travel for Diwali 2025, pick the city that matches your vibe — spiritual, festive, luxurious, or adventurous, and soak in the magic of India’s biggest celebration of light and togetherness.
👉 Wherever you go, remember to book your hotels early, as Diwali is one of the busiest travel seasons in India.
FAQs on Where to Celebrate Diwali in India
Varanasi tops the list with its spectacular Dev Diwali on the Ganges ghats. Jaipur and Ayodhya are also iconic for grand celebrations.
Jaipur, Udaipur, Pune, and Goa are great for families as they combine festive events, shopping, sightseeing, and comfortable stays.
Ayodhya and Varanasi are the best if you want to experience traditional rituals, diyas, aartis, and the spiritual side of Diwali.
Udaipur, Mysuru, and Goa offer a romantic setting with illuminated palaces, lakes, beaches, and vibrant nightlife during the festival.
Absolutely! Cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, and Goa welcome travelers from across the globe. These cities offer cultural tours, local experiences, and safe celebrations.
2 comments
The Golden Temple looks magical. These all seem like great ways to celebrate. Regardless of how you embrace the holiday, there seems to be a place to go.
Yeah, it surely does, Dan. It has a very holy serene vibe to it.