Introduction – What is Diwali and Why is it Celebrated?
What is Diwali also known as? Popularly called the Festival of Lights, Diwali (or Deepavali) is one of the grandest celebrations in Hinduism. Rooted in mythology, it marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In northern India, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while in southern India, it signifies Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. For many, it also coincides with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of prosperity.
But beyond its religious meaning, Diwali is also known as a time of togetherness, feasts, travel, and cultural joy. Every state in India has its own unique way of celebrating this luminous festival, making it the perfect season for travel.
How Do Different States Celebrate Diwali?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The islands celebrate Diwali in their own serene way with beaches glowing under fireworks and cultural programs organized by local communities. The highlight is the blend of traditional Hindu rituals with island-style gatherings.
Specialty & Food: Try seafood delicacies with a festive twist, along with sweets like laddu and jalebi, making Diwali in the islands both traditional and tropical.
Andhra Pradesh
Here, Diwali is celebrated with grand prayers, colorful rangolis, and oil lamps decorating temples and homes. Families also indulge in exchanging gifts and sweets.
Specialty & Food: Andhra Diwali is incomplete without spicy snacks like murukulu and sweets like pootharekulu. The festive bazaars add charm to the celebrations.
Uttarakhand (Chardham)
The sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri hold special prayers during Diwali, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Pilgrims experience both faith and festivity.
Specialty & Food: Offerings like khichdi, kheer, and temple prasad make the Diwali travel experience spiritually nourishing.
Chhattisgarh
Tribal communities celebrate Diwali with dances, folk songs, and traditional rituals. The state’s rural beauty adds a unique flavor to the festival.
Specialty & Food: Enjoy local dishes like chana sagra and tilgur, along with handmade tribal sweets prepared for guests.
Gujarat
Diwali here coincides with the Gujarati New Year. Homes are decorated with torans, diyas, and vibrant rangolis. Business families also perform Chopda Pujan for prosperity.
Specialty & Food: Relish ghughra, moong dal halwa, and festive snacks like fafda-jalebi. Markets are full of color and flavor.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal combines Diwali with local traditions, where villages light bonfires and celebrate with folk dances. The cool mountain weather makes it even more magical.
Specialty & Food: Siddu, madra, and local sweets like babru are enjoyed during festive feasts.
Kailash Mansarovar
Pilgrims visiting Kailash Mansarovar during Diwali experience a sacred atmosphere. The snowy peaks and holy lake shine under moonlight and lamps.
Specialty & Food: Traditional vegetarian meals, dal-bhat, and festive dry fruits are shared among pilgrims.
Karnataka
Karnataka celebrates Diwali with grandeur, especially in Mysuru and Bengaluru. The highlight is Balipadyami, honoring King Bali. Cities come alive with lights and cultural shows.
Specialty & Food: Festive dishes include obattu (sweet flatbread), chakli, and mysore pak.
Kashmir
Despite the cold, Kashmiri homes glow with diyas and lanterns. The beauty of the valley adds charm to Diwali nights. Families gather to pray and celebrate together.
Specialty & Food: Saffron-infused sweets like phirni and shufta, along with Kashmiri kahwa, make Diwali here memorable.
Kerala
Diwali in Kerala is more subdued but marked with oil lamps and prayers. The state’s temples hold special pujas.
Specialty & Food: Festive meals include payasam, banana chips, and coconut-based sweets prepared in households.
Lakshadweep
Diwali is celebrated among Hindu communities with small gatherings, fireworks, and lamps on the beaches. The celebrations are peaceful yet joyful.
Specialty & Food: Coconut-rich sweets, fried snacks, and fresh seafood dishes mark the festive platter here.
Leh Ladakh
Diwali celebrations are modest, often overlapping with local Buddhist traditions. The mountains, however, create a surreal backdrop for the lights.
Specialty & Food: Festive meals include thukpa, skyuba, and sweets prepared with dry fruits.
Madhya Pradesh
Diwali here is vibrant, especially in Ujjain and Indore. The ghats of Narmada glow with diyas, while bazaars are filled with festive goods.
Specialty & Food: Relish poha-jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and mawa bati during Diwali feasts.
Maharashtra
Families start with Vasu Baras and continue with rituals throughout the five days. Fireworks and cultural programs light up cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Specialty & Food: Faral platters with chakli, karanji, and ladoos define the festival here.
Nainital
The hill towns shine with lights reflecting on lakes, creating postcard-perfect Diwali nights. Fairs and cultural shows add to the charm.
Specialty & Food: Mountain delicacies like aloo ke gutke, jhangora ki kheer, and festive sweets are prepared.
North East India
States like Assam and Tripura celebrate Diwali with lamps, fireworks, and traditional dances. Communities gather for festive events.
Specialty & Food: Enjoy rice-based sweets, pitha, and delicacies prepared with jaggery and sesame.
Odisha (Orissa)
Here, Diwali is celebrated as Kartik Purnima and Badabadua Daka, honoring ancestors. Lamps are floated on rivers for blessings.
Specialty & Food: Chhena poda, rasabali, and festive rice dishes are offered to deities and enjoyed by families.
Punjab
Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple. The sight of lamps reflecting on the sarovar is breathtaking.
Specialty & Food: Langar meals, festive pinni, and atta laddoos make celebrations hearty and warm.
Rajasthan
The cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur look royal during Diwali, with palaces and markets illuminated. Cultural fairs add vibrancy.
Specialty & Food: Relish ghewar, mawa kachori, and savory snacks as part of festive spreads.
Sikkim & Darjeeling
Here, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, the festival of lights for animals and humans alike. People decorate homes and honor pets with garlands.
Specialty & Food: Sweets like sel roti and khapse are festive treats unique to the region.
Tamil Nadu
Known as Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali starts with early morning oil baths and rituals. Fireworks light up the skies of Chennai and Madurai.
Specialty & Food: Festive dishes include adhirasam, murukku, and mysore pak.
Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya’s Diwali is unmatched, with lakhs of diyas on the Sarayu River banks. Cities like Varanasi also celebrate with grand Ganga Aarti.
Specialty & Food: Relish sandesh, rosogolla, and mishti doi as part of festive traditions.
West Bengal
Diwali here coincides with Kali Puja. Kolkata’s streets glow with artistic lighting and devotional fervor
Specialty & Food: Gujiya, peda, and street food like kachori-sabzi make the celebrations tastier.
Why Travel During Diwali?
Have you ever wondered how magical India looks when millions of diyas sparkle at once? Diwali is not just a festival; it’s an experience of culture, food, devotion, and togetherness. Each state offers a unique celebration, and traveling during Diwali allows you to witness the country’s diversity in its brightest form.
Celebrate Diwali with Kesari Tours
Festivals are best enjoyed when you can travel without worries. That’s why Kesari offers specially curated tour packages that help you explore India’s cultural heart during Diwali. From witnessing Ayodhya’s grand diya-lighting ceremony to savoring Maharashtra’s faral delicacies, Kesari ensures you don’t just see Diwali, you live it.
Choose the kind of Diwali you wish to celebrate with Kesari, and start packing for a journey that will gift you the brightest and most unforgettable festive experience
FAQS
Q1. What is Diwali also known as in India?
Diwali is also known as Deepavali, which means “a row of lights.” It is popularly called the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Q2. Why is Diwali called the Festival of Lights?
Diwali is called the Festival of Lights because homes, temples, and streets are decorated with diyas, lanterns, and fireworks to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Q3. How is Diwali celebrated differently across states in India?
Diwali is celebrated in unique ways across states Ayodhya lights up lakhs of diyas, West Bengal observes Kali Puja, Tamil Nadu celebrates Naraka Chaturdashi, and Gujarat marks their New Year.
Q4. What are some traditional foods enjoyed during Diwali?
Popular Diwali foods include sweets like laddoos, jalebi, gujiya, sandesh, rasgulla, and festive snacks like chakli, murukku, and fafda-jalebi depending on the region.
Q5. What makes Diwali a good time for travel in India?
Diwali is the best time to travel because every state showcases its unique traditions, food, fairs, and illuminated cities, giving travelers a rich cultural and festive experience.