Best Places to Celebrate Diwali in India 2025: Lights, Culture & Festive Feasts

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It's a time when families come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The vibrant atmosphere, the colorful decorations, the delicious sweets, and the burst of fireworks create an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. As India prepares for Diwali in 2025, there are several cities across the country that offer exceptional Diwali celebrations, blending traditional rituals, cultural performances, and festive feasts. In this guide, we will explore the best places to celebrate Diwali in India, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the true essence of this magical festival.

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The Spiritual Heart of Diwali

Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, is a must-visit destination for Diwali. The city’s celebrations are deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition. Diwali in Varanasi is marked by the lighting of thousands of diyas (oil lamps) on the ghats of the Ganges River, creating a mesmerizing sight. The Ganga Aarti during Diwali is a spectacular event, with hundreds of devotees and visitors joining in the prayers. The city’s narrow lanes are adorned with colorful lights, and the temples are beautifully decorated, making it a perfect place to experience a spiritual and cultural Diwali.

Why Varanasi for Diwali?

• Spiritual celebrations with Ganga Aarti and thousands of diyas.
• Ancient temples and cultural rituals.
• A peaceful yet vibrant Diwali atmosphere.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan: A Royal Diwali Celebration

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, celebrates Diwali in a grand royal style. The entire city is lit up with dazzling lights, and the famous Hawa Mahal and City Palace are beautifully illuminated. Jaipur is also known for its rich cultural heritage, and during Diwali, the royal family opens the doors of the City Palace to the public, offering an exclusive glimpse of the royal Diwali celebrations. You can also indulge in traditional Rajasthani sweets and enjoy cultural performances. The Pink City during Diwali becomes a magical place with its historical charm and festive atmosphere.

Why Jaipur for Diwali?

• Royal celebrations with beautifully illuminated palaces.
• Rich cultural performances and Rajasthani sweets.
• A unique blend of tradition, luxury, and festivity.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Diwali in the City of Dreams

Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is known for its grand and lively Diwali celebrations. The city’s skyline lights up with decorative lights and dazzling fireworks, and the streets are adorned with colorful rangolis and floral decorations. In the upscale neighborhoods, you'll find homes and buildings extravagantly lit, with many celebrities hosting Diwali parties. One of the most spectacular parts of Diwali in Mumbai is the Lakshmi Puja, held on the main streets, where people invite Goddess Lakshmi into their homes with grand celebrations, prayers, and offerings.

Why Mumbai for Diwali?

• Grand celebrations with stunning decorations and fireworks.
• A mix of modernity and tradition in the celebrations.
• Diverse cultural activities and festivals.

4. Amritsar, Punjab: Diwali at the Golden Temple

Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, offers one of the most beautiful and spiritual Diwali experiences. During Diwali, the Golden Temple is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the sight of the temple reflecting in the holy water is truly mesmerizing. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, including prayers, kirtans (devotional songs), and the lighting of oil lamps. Amritsar also celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. This makes Amritsar an incredibly significant place for Diwali celebrations.

Why Amritsar for Diwali?

• A spiritually rich celebration at the Golden Temple.
• Beautifully lit and peaceful atmosphere.
• Unique cultural and religious significance with Bandi Chhor Divas.

5. Delhi: The Capital’s Diwali Extravaganza

Delhi, the capital city, celebrates Diwali with unmatched enthusiasm. The entire city sparkles with lights, especially the famous markets like Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place, where the streets are beautifully illuminated. People decorate their homes with rangolis, candles, and lights, and indulge in festive feasts. In addition to the cultural celebrations, Delhi also hosts the spectacular Diwali Mela, where you can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and shop for Diwali-themed products. Delhi’s firecracker display is one of the highlights, and the city’s energy during Diwali is truly unforgettable.

Why Delhi for Diwali?

• Vibrant streets, markets, and celebrations.
• Cultural events, traditional performances, and food festivals.
• A lively and energetic atmosphere with fireworks and festivities.

6. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Diwali by the Lake

Udaipur, known for its lakes and royal palaces, offers a truly magical Diwali celebration. The lakeside city is beautifully illuminated during the festival, with the City Palace and Lake Pichola reflecting the colorful lights. Diwali in Udaipur is celebrated with cultural performances, traditional dances like Ghoomar, and grand feasts. The city’s charm, combined with the lights and decorations, makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a royal Diwali experience amidst nature.

Why Udaipur for Diwali?

• Beautiful lakeside views and grand palace illuminations.
• Rich cultural experiences with traditional dance and music.
• A romantic and royal Diwali celebration.

7. Kolkata, West Bengal: A Traditional Bengali Diwali

In Kolkata, Diwali, known as Kali Puja in this region, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. Unlike the rest of India, Kolkata's Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the goddess of power. The city is adorned with beautiful decorations and lights, and Kali Puja is performed with intense rituals. You can witness grand pandals (temporary shrines) dedicated to Goddess Kali, and enjoy the sounds of traditional Bengali music and chants. The city’s festive food offerings, including sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, are a treat for the senses.

Why Kolkata for Diwali?

• Unique Kali Puja celebrations with intense rituals.
• Traditional Bengali music, food, and cultural performances.
• Stunning pandals and festive decorations.

8. Bengaluru, Karnataka: Modern and Traditional Diwali

Bengaluru, known for its tech-savvy, modern lifestyle, celebrates Diwali with a blend of tradition and contemporary style. The city’s neighborhoods, parks, and tech hubs light up with colorful decorations, and Diwali parties are held in several clubs and venues. Bangalore also has a rich cultural side, and you can enjoy classical dance performances, theater plays, and traditional music. The shopping malls, streets, and homes are decorated, creating a vibrant atmosphere across the city.

Why Bengaluru for Diwali?

• A unique blend of modernity and tradition.
• Traditional cultural events along with contemporary celebrations.
• Great shopping and delicious South Indian Diwali sweets.

9. Pune, Maharashtra: Diwali in the Cultural Hub

Pune, a city known for its educational institutions and cultural heritage, celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm. The city is beautifully decorated with lights, and the Diwali festivals here are marked by community events, fairs, and cultural performances. Pune is famous for its Diwali markets, where you can find traditional clothing, rangoli powders, and festive sweets. The city’s calm and peaceful vibe, combined with the warmth of its residents, makes it an ideal destination for a more intimate Diwali experience.

Why Pune for Diwali?

• Cultural performances and community events.
• Peaceful and festive atmosphere with Diwali markets.
• Delicious Maharashtrian sweets and traditional rituals.

10. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Diwali in the City of Nawabs

Lucknow is a fantastic destination to experience Diwali in the traditional Nawabi style. The city celebrates Diwali with grand celebrations, especially in the historic markets of Hazratganj and Chowk. During this time, the city comes alive with lights, fireworks, and music, while the sound of the shehnai (traditional musical instrument) fills the air. The grand Diwali feasts include traditional Awadhi delicacies like kebabs and biryanis, making it a great place for food lovers to enjoy the festive season.

Why Lucknow for Diwali?

• Nawabi-style Diwali with lights, feasts, and music.
• A historic city filled with rich cultural experiences.
• The perfect destination for food lovers during Diwali.