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When the air smells like fresh sweets, the streets light up like the Milky Way, and every home glows with joy and laughter, don’t be surprised, as it’s the Diwali festival in India. More than just a festival, Diwali is an emotion, a five-day-long roller coaster of lights, shopping sprees, family get-togethers, food comas, firecracker chaos, and spiritual bliss. Celebrated in every corner of India, each city brings its own flavour and flair to the party. So, if you are planning to experience Diwali like never before, ditch the regular and dive into this curated list of the most festive places to visit during Diwali in India that hits differently. Let’s get started:
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a 5-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains (followers of the ancient Indian religion). The name ‘Diwali’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali,’ which refers to ‘dip’ = light and ‘avail’ = a row or a series; Diwali = a row of lights. People worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi during this festival and exchange presents. According to Hindu mythology, the Deepawali festival in India is the significance of Lord Rama’s return back to Ayodhya from exile. This festival is celebrated as a symbol of victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is the time to forgive grudges and foster a sense of peace and harmony. It is a time to enjoy, exchange gifts and smiles, light diyas, burst fireworks, and enjoy sweet and savoury dishes.
Diwali is celebrated on the basis of Hindu calendar each year on Amavasya (new moon) day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. This year the festival of lights falls from 18 October 2025 to 23 October 2025, coinciding right around the harvest season. It is a five day festival and each day has its own significance: Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali/Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
If you make up your mind to celebrate and enjoy this festival of lights in India, we at Memorable India bring this Diwali travel guide for tourists where you will learn about the top cities to visit for the Diwali festival in 2025:
If there is one place where Diwali feels like a spiritual blockbuster, it is Varanasi. The holy city transforms into a lighting wonderland. Imagine thousands of oil lamps lighting up the steps of ancient Ghats, a holy dip in the Ganges (Kartik Sanan), the Ganges river shimmering with floating diyas, and devotional chants echoing through the air. The city reaches peak beauty during Dev Deepavali, which falls 15 days after Diwali when every Ghat comes alive in celebration of Lord Shiva’s descent to earth. The highlight here is not just the fireworks but the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed by priests with synchronized movements, massive fire lamps, and soulful hymns.
Take a boat ride during sunset, and you will feel light through a painting. Locals dress in traditional finery, and the energy on the streets is sacred yet electric. Don’t miss street food like spicy Chaat and warm Malaiyo, which are perfect for the festive chill. Varanasi’s Diwali is where spirituality, celebration, and tradition collide. Whether you are seeking divine connection or just insta-worthy moments, this city glows in ways that feel larger than life.
If there is a single city that captures the soul of Diwali, it is none other than Ayodhya. It is the mythological birthplace of Lord Ram and the epicenter of the Ramayana. According to legend, Diwali began when Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, and the people lit the entire city with lamps to welcome him home. Ayodhya hosts the spectacular Deepotsav, where millions of diyas are lit along the banks of the Saryu River near Ram Mandir, creating a surreal sea of light. The event has even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. With Ram Lila performances, laser light shows, grand processions, and chanting, it feels like time travel into a sacred epic.
Locals and tourists alike participate in lighting diyas, and the entire city glows with warmth, devotion, and pride. The air is filled with bhajans, the scent of marigolds, and a deep sense of cultural nostalgia. Ayodhya offers spellbound Diwali travel experiences for international tourists who want to experience the origin of the festival in its purest, grandest form. It is emotional, awe-inspiring, and deeply rooted in Indian heritage, a spiritual journey like no other.
If Diwali had a fashion capital, it would be one hundred percent Jaipur. This royal city does not just light lamps; it lights up entire places, forts, bazaars, and every street corner like it is prepping for a Bollywood wedding. The architecture itself becomes a canvas for dazzling displays of lights, and the city transforms into the “city of lights.” This is not just decoration for its sake; Jaipur holds a city-wide Diwali decoration contest, which means every street tries to outshine the next. Markets like Johri Bazaar and Bappu Bazaar sparkle with lights, music, and festive crowds. The shopping here is next-level; everything from Rajasthani Juttis to mirror work lehengas and hand-painted diyas are on display. You will be spoiled for choice, and your wallet might cry a little.
Don’t miss a night drive through the old city; Hawa Mahal, Albert Museum, and City Palace look straight out of a fairytale. For a breathtaking view, hike or drive to Nahargarh Fort and watch the entire city glitter like a diamond. With its royal vibe, festive buzz, and endless shopping, Jaipur is the best place to celebrate Diwali in India for foreigners, that is grand, glamorous, and unforgettable.
If you are craving a Diwali celebration with a luxury twist, Udaipur is calling. Known as the ‘City of Lakes, ‘ Udipaur amps up its natural beauty with lights that reflect off the water, palaces that glow like gold, and a chill yet regal vibe that is impossible to ignore. The city feels like it has been plucked from a royal fairytale but with better food and rooftop Diwali parties. Every palace, fort, and street corner is illuminated, creating jaw-dropping reflections in lakes like Pichola and Fateh Sagar.
Locals decorate their homes with Rangoli and Lanterns and hotels through extravagant Diwali-themed nights featuring folk performances, traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and fireworks that light up the skyline. The Udaipur Night Festival is a new-age favourite. Think live music, food trucks, fairy lights, and the coolest crowd. Udaipur offers a Diwali celebration that is equally relaxing and rich in culture. For travellers who love a side of elegance with their celebration, Udaipur is where the festive magic meets lakeside luxury. Bring your best ethnic wear and your camera, as Udaipur, one of the top places to visit during Diwali in India, needs both.
In Amritsar, Diwali is a heartfelt celebration of freedom, faith, and light. Coinciding with Bandi Chhor Divas, this day marks the return of Guru Hargobind ji from captivity. The entire city, especially the Golden Temple, turns into a glowing dreamscape. Every surface is adorned with diyas and fairy lights, brilliantly reflecting the temple’s golden facade and the sacred water of the Amrit Sarovar. It is hard to describe just how magical the Golden Temple looks during Diwali, the peaceful ambience, the soft glow of thousands of lamps, the devotional music playing in the background, and the aroma of fresh langer being served to thousands.
The fireworks, though not excessive, are vibrant and carefully coordinated. Wander around the temple complex barefoot and feel the deep sense of peace and gratitude in the air. After, hit the streets for some hot chai, butter kulcha, and gulab jamun that will melt your heart. Amritsar’s Diwali hits differently, a mix of spiritual warmth and cultural pride that lingers long after the last sparkler goes out. If you are looking to feel connected and uplifted this is one of the best destinations for diwali celebration.
Diwali in Kolkata is not your regular goddess Lakshmi Puja party. Here, it is all about the goddess Kali Puja as the city takes a bold and artistic spin on the festival. The vibe of the city is electrifying, loud, and full of dramatic flair. Giant pandals pop up across the city dedicated to the goddess Kali, fierce, powerful, and protective. She is worshiped with deep devotion and the scale of celebration rivals that of Druga Puja. Walk around the city at night, and you will find artistic installations, neon-lit streets, and locals gathering for fireworks, rituals, and savouring snacks. There is an infectious energy here between the sounds of dhak (traditional drums), the scent of incense, and the constant hum of people celebrating.
Don’t miss a visit to Kalighat Temple; one of the 51 Shakti Peethas or the local Kali Puja pandals like Ballygunge and Behala. The food game is unmatched; Puchka, Singara, Sondesh and Mishti Doi are festival essentials. Kolkata during Deepawali festival in India is culturally curious and spiritually bold. It is a beautiful blend of intensity, artistry, and emotions. Come with an open mind and leave your heart full of memories.
Diwali in Delhi is nothing sort of a sensory explosion. The capital city knows how to host a big festival, and Diwali here is loud, glittering, and super-charged with excitement. From swanky Diwali parties in South Delhi, illuminated landmarks and monuments, to street-level sparkler chaos in old- Delhi, there is a vibe for every kind of traveller. In the days leading up to the festival, every market from Chandani Chowk to Delhi Hatt turns into a buzzing carnival of lights, sweets, clothes, and home decor. Homes are deep cleaned, decorated with fairy lights, and infused with the scent of incense, ghee, and motichoor laddus.
Lakshmi Puja is performed with family, followed by firecrackers and card parties that stretch into the night. Delhi also offers a cultural twist with heritage walks, temple visits, and Diwali-themed art exhibitions, but perhaps the most striking feature is the skyline lit with fireworks, lanterns, and the collective sparkle of over 12 million hearts celebrating in the sink. Delhi’s Diwali is about family, fashion, feasting, and fun. It is one of the best destinations for Diwali celebrations if you want an all-in-one mix of tradition and modern festivity with a big dose of high-energy celebrations.
When it comes to glamour and grandeur, Mumbai knows how to sparkle, and Diwali here is no less than a red carpet-event. From celebrity-studded parties in Juhu to lively local fireworks in Dadar, Shivaji Park, Worli Seaface, and Marine Drive and festive favours in temples like Siddhivinayak. Mumbai delivers a full spectrum celebration that blends tradition with trend. The city’s skyline lights up with fireworks and high-rises, and the seaside promenade shimmers with fairy lights. Walk through neighbourhoods like Bandra and Marine Drive during Diwali, and you will see designer rangolis, glowing lanterns, and people stepping out in stunning ethnic wear. You will also find malls and markets going all out with decor and Diwali pop-ups.
Communities across religions come together to share sweets, attend pujas, and celebrate in their own unique styles. From South Indian Diwali breakfast to Gujarat Thalis and North Indian Diwali Pujas, you get it all. Of course, the food scene is fire. From modaks to chaklis to gourmet Diwali hampers, your taste buds will thank you. In Mumbai, Diwali is not just celebrated; it is styled, staged, and super-charged. This is one of the top cities to visit for the Diwali festival for those who love their tradition with a side of glitz.
Diwali in India is an electrifying mix of nostalgia, joy, family, food, and faith that feels in the air no matter where you are. What makes it truly special is how every region, every street, and every home tells a different Diwali story. Some loud and sparkly, some soulful and serene, but all woven together by the thread of togetherness and light. So this year, why not ditch the routine and travel for Diwali with Memorable India? Choose a city that matches your vibe: spiritual, glamorous, cultural, and experience the best time with our customized Diwali Tour itinerary. No matter where you go, the warmth of our hospitality and the joy of festivals make this trip unforgettable. Light a lamp, eat the laddu, dance under the fireworks, and celebrate life- the Diwali way with us. Call us now!
