Best Places to Celebrate Diwali 2025: Top 10 Indian Cities for the Ultimate Festival of Lights Experience

Diwali is not just a festival; it's basically an annual global invitation to party like a Bollywood star, eat your weight in sweets, and light up your life with thousands of twinkling diyas. If you thought Diwali was just about lighting lamps at home and watching fireworks from the balcony, oh boy, you're in for a dazzling cultural rollercoaster this year. Whether you're a seasoned festival hopper or a newbie looking to soak in the magic, Diwali celebrations across India and beyond each have a unique sparkle that'll make your Insta pop and your heart sing. From the electrifying dhamaka in Mumbai to the soul-stirring rituals in Varanasi, and the riot of colors in Jaipur, this guide will take you on a whirlwind tour of Diwali's most spectacular hotspots. So fasten your seatbelt, grab your dandiya sticks, and get ready to dive into the top 10 places where Diwali this year is not just celebrated—it's lived, loved, and lit up like never before!

Here Are 10 Places To Go To Celebrate Diwali This Year

1. Varanasi – The Spiritual Spectacle

Diwali in Varanasi is like witnessing a sacred symphony. The ghats along the Ganges transform into a sea of flickering diyas, floating like tiny stars on the water.

What to do: Take an evening boat ride along the Ganges to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple for special Diwali prayers, explore the narrow lanes filled with sweet shops selling traditional mithai, and participate in the diya floating ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Don't miss the early morning visit to Sarnath for peaceful meditation.

2. Jaipur – The Pink City's Royal Revelry

In Jaipur, Diwali is practically a royal gala. The majestic forts, palaces, and buildings get decked out in fairy lights, while markets burst with colors, handmade lanterns, and sparkly decorations.

What to do: Shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts at Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, witness the illuminated Hawa Mahal and City Palace, join folk dance performances at cultural centers, taste authentic ghevar and feeni sweets, visit illuminated Amber Fort for spectacular night views, and experience traditional puppet shows at local venues.

3. Mumbai – The Glamorous Dhamaka

Mumbai's Diwali is a city-wide blockbuster, with Bollywood-style glam and non-stop festivities. Head to Marine Drive for fireworks lighting up the Arabian Sea or visit the bustling markets for unique Diwali shopping finds.

What to do: Stroll along Marine Drive during fireworks displays, shop at Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar for unique decorations, attend Bollywood-style Diwali parties, visit Siddhivinayak Temple for special prayers, explore street food at Mohammed Ali Road, and catch rooftop celebrations with city skyline views.

4. Amritsar – Diwali at the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is simply magical during Diwali. Draped in thousands of lights and reflected in the surrounding water, the site offers an awe-inspiring blend of spirituality and celebration.

What to do: Participate in the special Diwali prayers at Golden Temple, enjoy langar (community kitchen) meals, witness the spectacular light display reflecting in the sacred pool, explore Jallianwala Bagh memorial, shop at Hall Bazaar for traditional items, and savour authentic Amritsari kulcha and lassi.

5. Kolkata – The Festival of Lights and Dance

Kolkata celebrates Diwali with a mix of traditional rituals and vibrant performances. The city's famous Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, making it a unique fusion of spiritual observance and social festivity.

What to do: Visit elaborately decorated Kali Puja pandals, enjoy cultural programs featuring Rabindra Sangeet and classical dance, explore Park Street for shopping and dining, participate in community celebrations, visit Kalighat Temple, and indulge in traditional Bengali sweets like sandesh and mishti doi.

6. Delhi – The Capital's Colourful Chaos

Delhi's Diwali vibe is a beautiful collage of old and new. The city hums with excitement, and its historical sites provide a dramatic backdrop to the festival's riot of colours.

What to do: Shop at Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh markets, witness grand fireworks at India Gate, visit illuminated Akshardham Temple, explore Red Fort's special light displays, enjoy street food at Paranthe Wali Gali, attend cultural events at Purana Qila, and experience the bustling energy of Connaught Place.

7. Udaipur – The City of Lakes Illuminated

Udaipur is like stepping into a fairy tale for Diwali. The palatial architecture and serene lakes shimmer with thousands of diyas, while cultural programs showcase traditional music and dance.

What to do: Take romantic boat rides on Lake Pichola with floating diyas, visit the illuminated City Palace complex, attend cultural performances at Bagore Ki Haveli, shop at Hathi Pol Bazaar, witness traditional Rajasthani folk dances, and enjoy rooftop dining with lake views at heritage hotels.

8. Hyderabad – The Pearl City's Culinary Diwali

Hyderabad offers a rich blend of tradition and flavour during Diwali. The city's bazaars buzz with preparation for the festival, showcasing communal unity as both temples and mosques light up harmoniously.

What to do: Explore Laad Bazaar for bangles and traditional jewellery, visit Charminar and surrounding markets, enjoy special Diwali biryani and sweets like qubani ka meetha, attend the sound and light show at Golconda Fort, participate in rangoli competitions, and experience the unique Hyderabadi fusion of cultures.

9. Chennai – Traditional Tamil Nadu Diwali

Chennai's Diwali celebrations include early morning oil baths, eco-friendly crackers, and sharing traditional sweets. The city's temples glow beautifully with cultural programs featuring classical dance performances.

What to do: Start with traditional oil bath ceremonies, visit beautifully lit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, shop for silk sarees at T. Nagar, enjoy traditional sweets like adhirasam and murukku, attend Bharatanatyam performances, participate in community rangoli competitions, and experience the unique Tamil Diwali traditions at local cultural centres.

10. Ayodhya – The Birthplace of Diwali Celebration

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds special significance during Diwali as it commemorates his return after 14 years of exile. The city transforms into a magnificent spectacle of lights and devotion.

What to do: Witness the record-breaking display of lakhs of diyas along the Saryu River, participate in the grand Ram Lila performances, visit the newly built Ram Mandir for special prayers, take boat rides on the illuminated Saryu River, explore the historic ghats decorated with flowers and lights, attend devotional concerts, and be part of the world's largest Diwali celebration attempt.

Conclusion

Diwali is truly a festival that transcends mere celebration—it's an experience that electrifies every sense and brings communities together with joy, light, and love. This year, whether you find yourself floating diyas on the Ganges in Varanasi, dancing in Jaipur's royal courtyards, indulging in delectable sweets in Hyderabad, or witnessing the grandest Diwali spectacle in Lord Rama's own Ayodhya, each city offers its own slice of magic. Diwali isn't just about lighting lamps—it's about igniting a spark inside you, a spark that connects tradition with modernity, spirituality with vivacity, and history with happiness. So pack your bags, bring your best smile, and get ready to dive deep into the luminous heart of one of the world's most enchanting festivals. After all, when it comes to Diwali, India truly is your beautifully illuminated paradise.