Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Homes are decorated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, rangoli, and lights, while families come together to pray, exchange sweets, and burst crackers.
For travelers, Diwali is a wonderful time to explore India because every city has its own unique way of celebrating the festival. Some places focus on spirituality, others on grandeur, and some combine both. If you are planning a festive trip in Diwali 2025, here are the best cities in India to celebrate Diwali, along with their highlights and travel details.
1. Varanasi – The Spiritual Glow on the Ghats
Varanasi, on the banks of the River Ganges, is one of the most magical places to celebrate Diwali. The city is known for its ghats illuminated with thousands of diyas that reflect beautifully on the river.
- Highlights:
- Dev Deepawali (celebrated a few days after Diwali), when millions of lamps are lit on the ghats.
- Evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual experience with chanting, lights, and music.
- Fireworks over the Ganga and cultural performances.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport connects Varanasi to major Indian cities.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction is well-connected by rail.
- By Road: National highways connect Varanasi to Lucknow, Allahabad, and Patna.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the local markets filled with festive decorations.
2. Jaipur – The Pink City Sparkles
Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, becomes a wonderland during Diwali. The city-wide lighting competition makes every street and market glow with lights and decorations.
- Highlights:
- Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are decorated with dazzling lights.
- The City Palace and Hawa Mahal are illuminated beautifully.
- Rajasthani sweets and handicraft shopping in festive markets.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.
- By Train: Jaipur Junction is a major railway hub.
- By Road: Connected by Delhi-Jaipur Highway (NH48).
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
City Palace, Nahargarh Fort for a night view, and shopping at the old city bazaars.
3. Amritsar – Golden Lights at the Golden Temple
Amritsar in Punjab is famous for its spiritual celebrations. During Diwali, the Golden Temple shines brighter than ever with lamps, fireworks, and music. The atmosphere is peaceful yet festive.
- Highlights:
- The Golden Temple is decorated with diyas and lights reflecting in the holy water.
- Fireworks around the temple.
- The Sikh festival Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali, adding cultural richness.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport connects Amritsar globally.
- By Train: Amritsar Junction is well-connected to Delhi and other cities.
- By Road: Highways link Amritsar with Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jammu.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, and local bazaars for sweets and phulkari embroidery.
4. Delhi – The Capital’s Festive Energy
Delhi, India’s capital, blends traditional and modern Diwali celebrations. From temples glowing with lights to huge Diwali melas (fairs), the city offers something for everyone.
- Highlights:
- Beautiful lighting at Akshardham Temple and Laxmi Narayan Mandir.
- Diwali meals with shopping, food stalls, and cultural shows.
- Fireworks displays across the city.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest in India.
- By Train: Multiple railway stations (New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin).
- By Road: Excellent road connectivity from nearby states.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
India Gate for fireworks, Akshardham Temple for lights, and Dilli Haat for festive shopping.
5. Udaipur – Royal Diwali by the Lakes
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, looks breathtaking during Diwali. Palaces, lakes, and streets are decorated with lights, giving the city a royal festive charm.
- Highlights:
- Fireworks over Lake Pichola.
- Royal celebrations in the City Palace.
- Traditional Mewar festival events.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station connects to major cities.
- By Road: Good road connectivity with Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and old city markets.
6. Ayodhya – The Birthplace of Lord Rama
Ayodhya holds the deepest mythological connection to Diwali. It is believed that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after defeating Ravana, and the people lit diyas to welcome him.
- Highlights:
- Deepotsav, when millions of diyas are lit across the city.
- Cultural plays (Ram Leela) depicting the life of Lord Rama.
- A spiritual and historic atmosphere.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Ayodhya has its own airport, with flights from Delhi and other cities.
- By Train: Ayodhya Dham Junction connects to Lucknow and Varanasi.
- By Road: Well connected by highways to Lucknow and Gorakhpur.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Sarayu River ghats, and Hanuman Garhi Temple.
7. Kolkata – Diwali with Kali Puja
In Kolkata, Diwali is celebrated with Kali Puja, worshipping Goddess Kali instead of Goddess Lakshmi. The city has a unique blend of devotion, lights, and festive energy.
- Highlights:
- Magnificent Kali temples are decorated with lights and flowers.
- Pandal hopping during Kali Puja, similar to Durga Puja.
- Firecrackers and cultural performances.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
- By Train: Howrah and Sealdah are major railway stations.
- By Road: Good road connectivity from nearby cities like Durgapur and Siliguri.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Kalighat Temple, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and local pandals.
8. Mumbai – Lights by the Arabian Sea
Mumbai, India’s financial hub, is full of energy during Diwali. From street decorations to seaside fireworks, the celebrations are both traditional and modern.
- Highlights:
- Marine Drive lit up with fireworks.
- Lavish Diwali parties in hotels and clubs.
- Markets filled with sweets, lanterns, and festive shopping.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
- By Train: Central, Western, and Harbour railway lines connect across India.
- By Road: Expressways link Mumbai to Pune and Gujarat.
- Best Spots to Visit During Diwali:
Marine Drive, Siddhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India, and local bazaars like Crawford Market.
Conclusion
Diwali is not just a festival in India, it is an experience of culture, lights, and togetherness. Whether it’s the spiritual glow of Varanasi, the royal charm of Udaipur, or the grand lights of Jaipur, each city has something special to offer during Diwali 2025.
If you are planning a festive journey, visiting any of these cities will make your Diwali unforgettable. For more travel guides, tips, and destination ideas, explore Triplla your trusted partner for amazing travel experiences.
