How to celebrate Diwali in India

Let the fireworks begin!

With its firework displays and riot of colour, Diwali is a luminous experience for travellers. Taking place across India for five days from October 21st, Diwali roughly translates as a ‘row of lamps’ and heralds the triumph of good over evil.

Exploding into life across the nation, Diwali is a wonderful time to visit India. Book your hostel now and see if the roaming elephants, firecrackers and sweets live up to the hype.

History of Diwali

The festival has many meanings for India’s multiple faiths, but for the largest religious group, the Hindus, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to the Kingdom of Ayodhya. According to ancient texts, Rama returned home triumphant after defeating demon-king Ravana in battle and rescuing his wife Sita from his evil clutches.

After hearing news of his victory, Rama’s jubilant subjects wanted to make their homecoming a memorable one and lit up their journey with thousands of twinkling diyas (oil lamps).

Diwali celebrations in India

The main event takes place on the third day (October 23rd), where locals light up clay lamps (diyas) and place them outside their homes. Diyas will be sparkling across India over Diwali and you can find them in people’s homes, walls and holy religious sites. You will see them everywhere. Diyas are by far the most beautiful motif of the Diwali festival.

Even more spectacular are the epic firework displays that serenade India’s major cities at night. You certainly won’t get much sleep during the Diwali celebrations, but you’ll certainly have a great time! Diwali is a cacophony of noise and joy and it’s something all travellers should experience at least once in their lifetime.

What to expect over Diwali

Diwali is celebrated across India and many destinations celebrate the festival according to their local traditions. If you travel over to India for Diwali, then you'll realise that each region has its own way of marking the event. In a country hosting over a billion people, you can expect the Diwali celebrations to reflect India’s cultural diversity and geographical terrain.

One universal feature of Diwali is gift sharing and India’s obsession with sweets. Gifts sharing forms a huge part the religious celebration. Diwali favourites include Gulab Jamun (sugary dough and milk), Laddu (colourful shaped balls) and Karanji (or ghughra) that looks like a small pasty and is deliciously comprised of nuts, butter and sugar.

Where to stay in India during Diwali

Wherever you decide to stay in India, the Diwali celebrations will be a spectacular occasion, and you'll experience a radiant glow of lights and lamps in every town and city.

Jaipur

If you want to experience something truly chaotic then go to Jaipur, Rajasthan. The ‘Pink City’ is a ramshackle, beautiful town full of colour, where the diyas light up local markets, shops and form part of glorious display throughout the city.

New Delhi

If you're staying in northern India, then New Delhi is the place to go for enormous firework displays. The best place to watch the celebrations are the Ram Leela Ground, India Gate and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Mumbai

Mumbai is definitely the place to go if you're keen to see a Diwali firework display. Once you arrive, you can stay up all night and watch sky light up like a cosmic storm. Indeed there will be stunning fireworks displays taking across India, and you will experience a holy explosion of colour wherever decide to stay.

Everyone at HostelsClub hope you have a Peaceful, Joyful and Prosperous Diwali!