Let’s dive into the best Diwali in India, where it becomes a canvas of vibrant lights, joyous festivities, and spectacular traditions. This article is your gateway to uncovering the richness of Diwali celebrations in India, a jubilant time when the entire nation comes alive with an unmistakable energy.
On Sunday, 12 November 2023, Deepavali in India is celebrated across different regions of India, following all the Diwali rituals and customs.
Diwali is an unparalleled sensory extravaganza from the riveting glow of a myriad of diyas (oil lamps) to the symphony of firecrackers illuminating the night sky.
Dip yourself in the essence of India’s most respectable festival as we unravel the time-honored customs, delectable traditional delicacies, and the heartwarming significance of this felicitous occasion.
Experience the pulse of India as it embraces the spirit of unity and joy during this grand festival of lights. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer magnificence of Diwali as we guide you through the best celebrations across the country, each offering its distinctive charm and allure.
However, join us in amazing magic moments of the best Diwali in India, and let’s commemorate its celebrations held across the country.
Also, you may like to read: Patrick Dempsey: People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2023
Table of Contents
What is the Significance of Diwali in Indian Culture
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and grandly celebrated festivals in Indian culture. It’s a festival of lights that symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival’s significance varies across different regions of India. For many, it celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana from a 14-year exile, as outlined in the epic Ramayana. It also represents the day Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.
In other parts, Diwali is linked to the celebration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and it’s considered auspicious to conduct a Lakshmi Pooja during this time.
Diwali is also significant to Sikhs, as it marks the release of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
In Jainism, it marks the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras.
The festival involves the lighting of clay lamps filled with oil to signify the victory of light over darkness. Houses are cleaned, new clothes are worn, and a variety of sweets and snacks are prepared. Fireworks and festivities are a major part of the celebrations.
Mostly in India, family and friends come together and celebrate, often exchanging gifts and sweets. It’s a festival that promotes unity, joy, and a sense of shared community.
What are Some Best Diwali in India?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy throughout India. The celebration extends over five days and each day has its significance and rituals. Here are some of the best moments that people often enjoy during Diwali in India:
- Lighting Diyas and Candles: One of the most beautiful sights during Diwali is the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and candles. It’s a tradition meant to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- Rangoli: Rangoli, a decorative and colorful art drawn on floors, is a common sight in India during Diwali. People take pride in creating intricate and vibrant designs at the entrance of their homes welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
- Fireworks: Diwali night is often lit up with fireworks. It’s a joyous moment especially for children as they get to enjoy the dazzling spectacle in the sky.
- Feasting and Sweets: Diwali is incomplete without the delicious array of sweets and snacks that are prepared and shared among friends and family.
- Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time when families come together to celebrate. It’s a moment of reunion and joy, as many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.
- Pooja (Prayers): The Lakshmi Pooja held on the third day of Diwali when families worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is a special moment. The prayer session is often followed by feasting and fireworks.
- Exchanging Gifts: It’s customary to exchange gifts during Diwali, furthering the joyous spirit of the festival.
- Decorating Homes: Cleaning and decorating homes with lights, flowers, and torans (decorative door hangings) is another memorable part of the celebrations.
Every region in India has its unique traditions and customs during Diwali, making each celebration special in its own way.
Best Places To Celebrate Diwali in India
Are you looking for the best places to celebrate Diwali in India? Here are some of them:
- Varanasi: The celebration of Diwali in Varanasi is a spectacle to behold. The ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of diyas (small oil lamps) flickering against the dark of the night.
- Jaipur: Known as the pink city, Jaipur is famous for its Diwali decorations. The markets of Jaipur are beautifully adorned and the city is illuminated with lights and fireworks.
- Kolkata: Diwali coincides with the Bengali festival of Kali Puja and the city is beautifully decorated with lights, diyas, and rangoli.
- Amritsar: Diwali coincides with the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas. The Golden Temple is spectacularly lit up, with fireworks adding to the grandeur.
- Goa: Diwali in Goa is associated with the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Effigies of Narakasura are made and burnt at dawn.
- Udaipur: The city of lakes, famous for its beautiful palaces, also grandly celebrates Diwali. The city is illuminated with lights and fireworks.
Traditional Diwali Rituals and Customs
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, known for its cultural and spiritual significance. The festival is celebrated over five days, each with its rituals and customs:
- Dhanteras (Day 1): The festival begins with Dhanteras, which is considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, and utensils. People clean their homes and decorate the entrances with lamps and rangolis (decorative designs made on the floors).
- Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (Day 2): People make and eat a variety of sweets and snacks. In some regions, it is customary to take a fragrant oil bath before sunrise.
- Diwali (Day 3): This is the main day of the festival. People often dress in new clothes, perform a Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess Lakshmi), and light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and candles. This is followed by feasting on sweets and setting off fireworks.
- Annakut or Govardhan Puja (Day 4): This day is dedicated to the worship of Govardhan Parvat (a hill lifted by Lord Krishna). In many parts of India, people build miniature hills using cow dung and offer prayers. Food is cooked in large amounts and offered to Lord Krishna.
- Bhai Dooj (Day 5): This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak (a colored mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life, while brothers give gifts to their sisters.
The aforementioned days are considered the best Diwali in India as rituals and customs.
Deepavali Preparations and Decorations
Diwali the festival of lights, is a time for joy and celebration in India. Preparations begin weeks in advance. Here’s a general idea of what the preparations and decorations might look like:
- Cleaning the House: The preparations for Diwali start with cleaning the house thoroughly. This is done to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, as it’s believed she resides in clean and beautiful places.
- Shopping: People shop for new clothes, home decor, utensils, and gifts for friends and family. Buying new items, especially gold or silver, is considered auspicious on Dhanteras (the first day of Diwali).
- Making Rangoli: Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form where patterns are created on the floor using colored powders, flowers, and rice. It is believed to bring good luck. Rangolis are usually drawn at the entrance of the house to welcome guests and the deities.
- Lighting Diyas and Candles: Diyas (oil lamps) and candles are lit and placed around the home, especially at the entrance, windows, and corners. This is done to ward off darkness and evil spirits.
- Decorating with Lights and Lanterns: Fairy lights, lanterns, and electric bulbs are used to decorate the house and the courtyard. It is common to see entire neighborhoods lit up during Diwali.
- Preparing Sweets and Snacks: Homemade sweets and snacks are a big part of Diwali. Families come together to prepare a variety of traditional dishes.
- Conducting a Puja: Most families conduct a Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess of wealth) on the night of Diwali. The prayer area is cleaned and decorated beautifully. After the Puja, families light fireworks and share sweets.
- Exchanging Gifts: It is a common practice to exchange gifts with friends and relatives during Diwali as a token of love and good wishes.
Diwali Lights Manufacturers in India
India has several manufacturers that specialize in making Diwali lights. Some of them include:
- Compact Lighting: This company, based in Noida, manufactures a wide range of lighting products suitable for Diwali, including LED lights, decorative lights, and outdoor lights.
- Ajanta Quartz: Ajanta, based in Gujarat, is primarily known for its clocks but also manufactures a range of decorative lighting suitable for Diwali.
- Syska LEDs: Syska is a well-known brand that manufactures a variety of LED lights that can be used for Diwali decorations.
- Surya Roshni Limited: Surya is a leading manufacturer of lighting products in India. They offer a wide range of products, including decorative lights for Diwali.
- Eveready Industries India Ltd: This Kolkata-based company manufactures a variety of lighting products, including decorative lights for Diwali.
- Wipro Lighting: Wipro Lighting is a part of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting Group. They offer a wide range of LED lights suitable for Diwali decorations.
- Philips Lighting India Limited: Philips is a well-known international brand and has a wide range of lighting products available in India, including decorative lights for Diwali.
Please note that while these companies manufacture a wide range of lighting products for Deepavali. Therefore, it is undoubtedly a good practice to check their catalogs or reach out to them directly to learn if they have the specific decorative lights you’re looking for and are interested in.
Also, you may want to learn more about the best Diwali in India moments and celebrations.
Conclusion of Deepavali in India
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Often, it is referred to as the festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The conclusion of Deepavali/Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in some parts of India. Also, it symbolizes new beginnings and is a time for families to come together, share gifts with each other, and indulge in festivities. The spiritual significance and joyous celebration of Deepavali leave a lasting impact on individuals, nurturing feelings of love, unity, and mutual respect.