The Festival of Lights, or Diwali, is one of India’s most beloved and widely celebrated festivals. Celebration of the festival represents the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Families join together during this time to light oil lamps, give gifts, and set off fireworks. Diwali, however, is an exclusive opportunity to discover and take in the richness of India’s customs and culture outside of the traditional festivities at home.
In this blog, we will take you on a journey to discover five best places to visit during Diwali in India and explore the top shopping markets of India all of which guarantee a truly dazzling experience.
5 Diwali Getaways & Market Marvels: Where Festive Bliss Meets Shopping Delights in India
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Diwali celebrations reach an all-time high in Varanasi, which is regarded as the spiritual centre of India. To see the magnificent Ganga Aarti on Diwali, people travel from all over the world to the banks of the sacred Ganges- river. Varanasi’s ghats come to life as the sun sets with an abundance of lanterns and candles, creating an enchanting scene.
The atmosphere is filled with the sound of chants and the aroma of incense, creating a mesmerising and spiritually elevating experience. You can most definitely indulge in enjoying the street cuisine and local desserts after the Aarti. Also, to add more joy to the experience, the markets here are filled with artifacts and other delightful purchases.
During Diwali, Varanasi, a city steeped in history, offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Godowlia Market and Vishwanath Gali are well-known for their excellent silk sarees, jewellery, and ornamental things. Beautiful handmade Banarasi sarees and traditional lamps can be purchased to light up your Diwali celebrations.
2. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar, Punjab’s spiritual and cultural centre, offers a one-of-a-kind Diwali experience that combines tradition and splendour. On Diwali night, the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest temple, is magnificently illuminated. The temple’s reflection in the sacred pool known as the Amrit Sarovar is an incredible sight to behold. The entire city is illuminated, and the night sky is filled with fireworks.
The atmosphere is overflowing with excitement and devotion, and you can join in the Golden Temple’s langar (community feast), which gives free meals to everyone, regardless of one’s religion. Shopping in Amritsar around Diwali is a magical experience. The brilliant colours and scents of traditional sweets and candles fill the city’s bustling marketplaces, particularly in the old town.
The landmark Golden Temple complex, which is magnificently illuminated, is the main attraction, as devotees and tourists rush to buy handicrafts, religious artefacts, and celebratory attire from the countless stalls surrounding it.
The vibrant bazaars, such as Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh, provide an array of gorgeous Punjabi clothes, accessories, and delicate Phulkari embroidery, making it a fashionista’s heaven. Furthermore, sparkling jewellery shops and sweet stores contribute to the festive ambiance, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in Punjab’s rich history and traditions while indulging in delicious Diwali shopping.
3. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is recognised for its rich tradition and gorgeous architecture, and it changes into a city of lights and colours around Diwali. The entire city is decked out in exquisite decorations and colourful rangoli (colourful ground art). The Amer Fort and City Palace are magnificently illuminated, offering a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Jaipur’s markets provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a diverse selection of traditional Diwali items such as handcrafted candles, earthen lamps, and ornamental items. It is an excellent location to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Shopping is an essential element in any expedition, and especially during the festival of lights, shopping is a must and Jaipur markets offer a wide range of shops to make delightful purchases.
The bazaars of Jaipur are a magnificent treasure trove of traditional Rajasthani crafts and fabrics. Johari Bazaar is well-known for its jewellery, whilst Tripolia Bazaar specialises in bangles and lac jewellery. The markets come alive with colourful rangoli designs and traditional handicrafts around Diwali. Here you may get one-of-a-kind Diwali gifts and decorations.
4. Goa
Goa is the place to go for a more relaxed and beachy Diwali celebration. During the festival, this coastal paradise offers a unique blend of tradition and relaxation. The Portuguese-influenced culture of Goa adds a new experience to Diwali celebrations. Goa’s churches and temples are lit up, and you can see a blend of Hindu and Christian traditions.
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated by burning effigies of the demon Narakasura, signifying the triumph of good over evil. After that, you can relax on Goa’s stunning beaches and enjoy the lively nightlife. The people also light lanterns outside their house to embark tribute to Lord Rama for returning home.
Diwali in Goa is a unique blend of coastal charm and holiday excitement. While the beaches remain a major attraction, shops in Anjuna and Mapusa come alive with Diwali decorations and local fare. Visitors can browse shops selling beachwear, handicrafts, and scrumptious Goan delicacies. The warm sea wind and the smells of street food add to the festive ambiance, making Diwali shopping in Goa a lovely and peaceful experience by the sea.
5. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata, known for its ethnic diversity, celebrates Diwali with a special flair. The city’s Kali Puja falls on Diwali, providing for an unforgettable experience. The streets are decorated with spectacular illumination displays, and cultural acts, such as dance and music, bring the city to life. Don’t miss out on the stunning Diwali celebrations at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
Kolkata is also known for its delectable sweets, so do not miss out on trying rasgullas and sandesh. You can also enjoy the ride on a river cruise, a special service offered during Diwali, to enjoy a wholesome experience and witness the enchanting lighting of the city.
The privilege of shopping is also offered by the markets in Kolkata, to complete your enchanting Diwali vacation. Kolkata is a symbol of culture, and its markets showcase its rich legacy around Diwali. New Market, sometimes known as Hogg Market, is a one-stop shop for all of your holiday shopping.
It has everything, from clothing to décor. College Street, on the other hand, is a book lover’s dream, ideal for shopping for meaningful Diwali gifts. These markets are bustling with holiday shoppers and decked with Diwali-themed decorations that enhance the shopping experience.
Final Thoughts
With this, here are the 5 best dazzling destinations in India, to go on a vacation and also explore their mesmerizing markets this Diwali. Change is always good for instilling new experiences and memories, so apart from the traditional celebration of the festival of lights, this year try something different and visit any of these 5 destinations and enjoy once in a lifetime experience.
This Diwali, celebrate the festival of lights with a vacation by choosing any of the magnificent destinations mentioned in this blog, and enjoy the wholesome perks these cities have to offer during Diwali.
Whether it is witnessing the beautiful fireworks over historic landmarks or embarking on a fully fledged shopping spree or even simply enduring the beauty of these cities, they are guaranteed to provide you a once in a lifetime experience on your visit there. Do not miss out on these experiences and create everlasting memories while enjoying the most favoured festival.