Diwali is a festival that the world always looks forward to. Yes, it’s the “festival of lights”, but Diwali is also known to lighten up the world with kindness, humanity, and love.
The festival has many stories and beliefs that resonate with its celebration. Different religions celebrate Diwali differently, owing to the traditions and beliefs that have been going down for generations which means that India celebrates Diwali in many forms in different places.
In a way, celebrating Diwali doesn’t need any particular place to experience. But if you want to explore the different beliefs and rituals behind one festival, then these 3 places in India are a must-visit. Head there during Diwali, and you’ll feel three different Diwali vibes rushing inside you.
- VARANASI (FOR DEV DEEPAWALI)
Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali in Varanasi (a.k.a. Banaras) is celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. Which means that it is celebrated much later than Lakshmi Pujan (or 3-day Diwali festival).
Dev Diwali will reinstate faith in Gods and humanity, inside you. The mantras and chants recited and sung by the priests talk about keeping faith in the universe and lightening the darkness inside us.
And then comes the main attraction; the ghats are filled with small earthen lamps or diyas. Not just that, experiencing the Ganga Aarti, followed by floating the diyas on the river Ganga is a treat.
- KOLKATA (FOR KALI PUJA)
What is Diwali for others, is Kali Puja for Bengalis. Kolkata worships Goddess Kali on this day. Offerings are made in abundance, in the form of fish, meat, sweets, and flowers.
The entire city lights up like their faith in Goddess Kali. Be ready to witness the streets filled with mouth-watering food and shopping attractions. Also if you could not go for “pandal hopping” during Durga Puja, then you can do that on this day too.
- AMRITSAR (FOR BANDI CHHOR DIWAS)
Amritsar celebrates Diwali in two ways; one in a way it is traditionally celebrated, and other with Bandi Chhor Diwas. Bandi Chhor Diwas is one of the biggest festivals for Sikhs and commemorates the return of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the 6th Sikh Guru, from his imprisonment. The very main attraction here is to visit The Golden Temple, to experience the magnitude of the dual celebrations.
What will even leave you stunned, is the belief that the Sikhs have for their Gurus. Their kirtans and prayers will let you know about their gratitude and faith in their Gurus and the sacrifices they have made for humanity.
Let’s put it up this way; Diwali is more than a festival. It’s an occasion that teaches everyone about keeping humanity at the top of the priority list, no matter the other priorities.
Get the Diwali vibes flowing in and contact Mantra Wild to book your Diwali experiences, while you start planning and packing up for your “lightening” Diwali experiences.
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