Celebrating Diwali in India

This ancient festival is known as the Festival of Lights, and is celebrated in Hindu communities around the world. The huge population of India is made up in its vast majority of Hindus, and Diwali celebrations take place across the country. A stroll around the streets will reveal lavishly decorated homes, thousands of lamps and abundant sweet treats being distributed.

Much like Christmas in the west, Diwali is also a time for spending. Traditionally people will buy new clothes and jewelry at this time of year. As a visitor, you might not want to join in the consumerism, but instead marvel at the festive atmosphere as people hit the town in droves.

Diwali celebrations last for five days. Different celebrations take place each day, but the third day is the official Diwali holiday in India. Known as Amavasya, it marks the day of the new moon. This year it falls on Oct. 30.

One of the most impressive places to celebrate Diwali is the city of Jaipur, in Rajasthan province. Here, traders and shopkeepers deck out entire markets in beautiful, colored lights, and there is a competition for the best light show.

The city of Varanasi is usually a must-see for visitors to India at any time of year, and this bonkers city gets even crazier during Diwali. Try to book a riverside hotel, where you can watch the all-night fireworks show over the Ganges.

If you can’t make it to either of these destinations, rest assured you are in for a spectacle in any Hindu village, town or city throughout India.