Diwali is not just a festival, but a celebration of India’s culture and traditions. During this time, the entire country sparkles with the light of lamps, the aroma of sweets fills homes, and the night sky becomes colorful with fireworks. If you’ve only experienced this celebration within your home so far, this is the perfect opportunity to go out and see how cities shine with their unique charm and joy during Diwali. Whether it’s the sacred ghats of Varanasi or the royal markets of Jaipur, every city makes Diwali memorable in its own way. Let’s learn about those Indian cities where the Diwali experience is most special.

Royal Diwali in Jaipur

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Celebrating Diwali in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is nothing less than a royal feast. As the festival approaches, the ancient palaces, forts, and colorful markets here sparkle with special lights to such an extent that it seems as if the entire city has been adorned with gold. For your Diwali shopping, you can get lost in the wonderful world of traditional handicrafts and jewelry at Johari and Bapu Bazaar. Additionally, after sunset, the mesmerizing lights of Hawa Mahal and City Palace become etched in your eyes. To see the true spectacle of this grandeur, don’t forget to view the panoramic scene of the entire sparkling city from Amer Fort. And yes, without tasting the special sweets ‘Ghevar’ and ‘Feeni’, your trip to Jaipur would truly remain incomplete.

2. Delhi

Diwali in the national capital Delhi is an extremely beautiful blend of centuries-old traditions and modern celebration. During this time, the city’s historical sites, ancient temples, and busy markets sparkle with lights. If you’re here, then fully enjoy the special Diwali shopping at Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh. Additionally, in the evening, you can see the grand illumination of Akshardham Temple and the spectacular light show at Red Fort. Not only that, don’t forget to enjoy delicious dishes at Old Delhi’s famous ‘Paranthe Wali Gali’.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Diwali in the city of dreams, Mumbai, means a celebration of glamour, glitter, and style. This city is known for celebrating festivals in a magnificent way. The most special sight here can be seen at Marine Drive, where the fireworks display along the sea looks extremely captivating. Additionally, unique items for Diwali can be purchased from Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar. Not only that, for a spiritual experience, you can visit Siddhivinayak Temple.

4. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Diwali in Ayodhya is not just a festival, but a divine celebration of devotion and reunion, symbolizing Lord Rama’s return from exile. During Diwali, this entire city becomes immersed in devotion, faith, and the light of millions of lamps. The most special moment of your trip will be seeing thousands of lamps burning along the Sarayu River, which set a new world record every year. Additionally, you can participate in the local Ramleila here and visit the new Ram Temple. Not only that, taking a boat ride on the river sparkling with lamps here provides an extremely peaceful and memorable experience, which makes this celebration the most special in the world.

5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Diwali experience in the religious city of Varanasi is truly divine and wonderful. As evening falls, the ghats along

Varanasi ghats

The Varanasi ghats are a series of stepped embankments along the sacred Ganges River in India, used for religious rituals and daily bathing. They have a history spanning centuries, with many built or restored by Maratha and other rulers during the 18th century. These ghats are central to Hindu spirituality, believed to be a place where death leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Jaipur markets

Jaipur’s vibrant markets, such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, have been the commercial heart of the Pink City since its founding in 1727. Established under the visionary planning of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, these historic bazaars are famed for their traditional Rajasthani crafts, including precious gemstone jewelry, blue pottery, textiles, and leather goods.

Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is a famous five-story palace in Jaipur, India, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its distinctive pink, honeycombed facade, featuring 953 small windows (jharokhas), was designed to allow royal women to observe street festivities unseen while providing ventilation. Constructed from red and pink sandstone, it is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and remains a major tourist attraction.

City Palace

The City Palace in Udaipur, India, is a sprawling palace complex situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it served as the main seat of the Mewar dynasty for centuries. The palace is renowned for its magnificent blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, European, and Chinese architectural styles.

Amer Fort

Amer Fort is a majestic hilltop fortress located in Jaipur, India, built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I. It is renowned for its grand palaces, intricate marble and red sandstone carvings, and a unique system of cool water channels running through its rooms. The fort showcases a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles and was the main residence of the Rajput Maharajas.

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is a historic market located in Old Delhi, India, originally built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was designed to be a broad, tree-lined avenue with a central canal that shimmered in the moonlight, giving the area its name, which means “Moonlight Square.” Today, it remains a bustling and vibrant hub known for its narrow lanes, diverse shops, and rich cultural heritage.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a modern Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India, inaugurated in 2005. It was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The monument showcases millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, architecture, and spirituality through its intricately carved stone structure, which was constructed using ancient architectural principles without any structural steel.

Red Fort

The Red Fort is a historic 17th-century fort complex in Delhi, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. Constructed of red sandstone, it served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years and was the ceremonial and political center of the empire. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a powerful symbol of India’s history, with India’s prime minister delivering a speech from its ramparts every Independence Day.