2024 India Diwali - Festival of Light Travel Guide

Diwali (or Deepavali), also known as the Festival of Light, is one of India's most highly regarded festivals. It is a Hindu feast with lines of lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness, making your autumn India tour dotted with delicate rangoli decorations, lively festive atmospheres, and grand celebrations. If you want to experience this holy festival and find out how Diwali is celebrated, here is what you need to know.

When Is Diwali in 2024

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31st throughout the whole nation. The festival celebration will start on October 29th and last for 5 to 6 days (there will be a one-day interval on October 30th, 2024), and each day has diverse meanings.

Typically, it takes place between September and November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, also known as the day of Amavasya, marks the beginning of Diwali, the Festival of Light.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

India Grand Tour with Diwali & Dev Deepawali Festivals 21 DAYS Explore This Tour

What Are the 5 Days of Diwali 2024

What Is Diwali & Why Is It Celebrated

Diwali is a word formed from the Sanskrit word "Dipavali", which means the row (avali) of clay lamps (dipa), representing the ultimate triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. According to historical times, it is most likely related to the historical harvest festival, which the ancient Indians celebrated. There are several different stories about the origin of Diwali.

Some believe that the Festival of Light is associated with one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, King Rama. Rama bravely defeated and killed the evil king Ravana to save his wife, Sita. When they returned to the capital, people lit numerous lights to celebrate their safe return and welcomed them home. This is how the lighting of lights became an essential way for Hindus to celebrate Diwali.

Others want to worship Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of wealth. It is said that Lakshmi comes to the world on this day, and whichever house she sees there will receive a fortune. Therefore, people light up their homes with lights and want Lakshmi's favor.

Clay Lamp of Diwali

Who/Which Religions Celebrate Diwali

Many religions in India celebrate the Festival of Light for different historical reasons and ways. But they share the same themes of justice, peace, and happiness. It is a beautiful coalescence of cultures, and you can see different religions and regions celebrating this day in the same festive atmosphere.

For Hindus, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and invokes Goddess Lakshmi to bring them good luck.

For Jains, this festival honors the founder Mahavira, whose body died but whose soul lives on. It also involves the lighting of lamps and prayers to Lakshmi.

For Sikhs, this holiday celebrates the release of Sikhs' spiritual leader, Harbinder, from captivity by Jatihan, the emperor of the Mughal Empire of India. Sikhs have a tradition of bathing in holy water at the Amritsa shrine during the festival.

For some Buddhists, it is the celebration of commemorating Ashoka's decision to practice Buddhism and maintain peace.

Everybody Can Enjoy Diwali

How Diwali Is Celebrated

The Lights Festival activities typically include cleaning, shopping for festive items, preparing food gifts, lighting, and performing sacrificial rituals.

Clean the House

People clean on the first day of Diwali because the house is considered clean to attract the goddess Lakshmi. Only if the house looks clean will the goddess Lakshmi like their home for a stopover and give them blessings for good fortune and wealth.

Make Rangoli Decoration

Rangoli is a decorative folk art from India created during Diwali celebrations in front of house entrances, inside houses, or on the ground in courtyards. The main purpose is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) into homes, ward off evil eyes, and bring good luck.

House Decoration With Lights in Diwali

Go Festival Shopping

Diwali is an important festival in India. Before the festival begins, people will buy things needed for the festival. From new clothes to celebrating with a new look, to gifts for relatives and friends. Buying gold, silver, and jewelry at this time is also a popular custom.

Beautiful Saree

Exchange Gifts & Sweets

Diwali requires a variety of Indian delicacies and sweets, which can be served as snacks for guests. It is traditional to exchange gifts during the lights festival. People give gifts and exchange feelings with relatives and friends during this time. The gift of sweets is indispensable during the Festival of Light, including snacks such as sweets, gold coins, idols, costumes, and other gifts with Indian characteristics.

Partake in Ceremonies

Setting off fireworks and holding the "Lakshmi puja" ceremony are also important activities of the Festival of Light, which are meant to drive away evil and pray for the goddess's protection. Both ceremonies are usually held on the third day of Diwali. During the Lakshmi puja ceremony, people recite the Puja in their mouths and offer flowers and tributes to the goddess, and conclude by singing Aarti, a song celebrating the grace and power of the gods.

Where to Celebrate Diwali in India

Delhi

To experience the atmosphere of the Festival of Light and feel the real Indian culture, visiting the capital city of Delhi is an ideal choice. With bustling Mela bazaars, carnivals, fireworks displays, series of theatrical productions, concerts, and dances, all will draw you into a vibrant vibe and atmosphere. Besides, you can experience the Diwali activities and prayer rituals up close by, meet real Indian families, and taste the special food on offer during the lights festival.

Varanasi

The famous historical city Varanasi is a Hindu holy place. When the light festival arrives, the beauty here may be much more strikes you than usual. Enjoy a boat trip on the Ganges at sunset, seeing people chant reverently with a view to divine favor along the riverbank. Have a blast in the crowded bazaars, where you can buy everything from local handicrafts to delicious sweets. The celebrations are capped off with an impressive fireworks show.

If you remain for a little longer, you can spend the unique festival of Varanasi, which takes place 15 days after Diwali. Dev Deepavali, also known as the "Diwali of the Gods". The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River are lit with more than a million clay lamps in honor of the Ganga River and its presiding goddess. 

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Explore North India and Ganges 14 DAYS Explore This Tour

Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the best places to enjoy the Diwali festive atmosphere. The houses and bazaars of Jaipur are decorated with lanterns and beautiful decorations, which are very ornamental. You can enjoy the beauty of the whole city during the light festival from Jaipur's famous scenic spot Nahargarh Fort. Capture the reflections of the glittering Jal Mahal and pyrotechnics in the stunning Man Sagar Lake. Moreover, the city bazaars are always bustling with musicians singing traditional tunes and a wide variety of handcrafted lamps. Here, you can also feast your taste buds on some authentic Rajasthani cuisines.

Amritsar

Amritsar is a Sikh city that also celebrates Diwali devoutly. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a famous attraction in the city. The sight of the Golden Temple surrounded by lanterns during the Festival of Light is spectacular and very ornamental. During Diwali, pilgrims will hold a big celebration at night. Of course, you can enjoy the beautiful fireworks display in Amritsar or join the pilgrims in meditation and prayer.

Amritsar Golden Temple

India Diwali Travel Tips

Book in Advance

If you are planning to travel to India during the Festival of Light, please make reservations several months in advance as many tourists from worldwide will be rushing into India.

Set Lights & Fireworks Carefully

When setting off firecrackers, be sure to pay attention to personal safety and follow the instructions carefully. And note if fireworks are allowed in the areas. Don't place lights in dangerous environments to avoid injury.

Ask for Permission Before Photoing

If you want to take pictures of the praying people or some religious ceremonies held in temples, you should always ask for permission first.

Join the Diwali Celebration With Odynovo

Take part in this significant cultural event in India, and leave with memories of some spectacular celebrations unlike anything you have seen. If you are interested in taking an Indian journey to experience Diwali, contact us at [email protected] to customize your trip!