Diwali

Hello, fellow travelers! We're here to help you plan your trip to India for the Diwali festival. Diwali is a major Hindu religious festival that lasts for five days and celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a time of joy, gratitude, and prosperity for millions of people across the world. Here are some of the best places to visit in India during Diwali and what you can expect to see and do there.

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• Varanasi: Varanasi is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India, located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is also known as the City of Temples, where you can witness the stunning sight of thousands of diyas (oil lamps) floating on the river during the Dev Deepawali (the Diwali of the gods) on the 15th day of Kartik month (usually in November). You can also enjoy the spectacular Ganga Aarti (a ritual of offering fire to the river goddess) every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat of Varanasi. Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees, handicrafts, and street food. You can visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the most revered shrine of Lord Shiva, the Assi Ghat, where you can relax and watch the sunrise, and the New Vishwanath Temple, a modern temple with a huge statue of Lord Shiva.

• Ayodhya: Ayodhya is another holy city in India, situated on the banks of the Saryu river in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, and the site of his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. During Diwali, Ayodhya is lit up with millions of earthen lamps and colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. You can also witness the grand Ram Leela, a theatrical performance of the Ramayana, and the Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats where devotees take a dip in the river and offer prayers. You can also visit the Ram Janmabhoomi, the place where Lord Rama was born, the Guptar Ghat, where he is said to have ascended to heaven, and the Kanak Bhavan Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. Day tours are possible from Delhi and the Taj Mahal!

• Jaipur: Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City for its distinctive pink-colored buildings. It is a vibrant and colorful city that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan. During Diwali, Jaipur is adorned with dazzling lights, lanterns, and fireworks, making it a sight to behold. You can also enjoy the shopping and food festivals, where you can buy traditional clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and sweets. You can also visit the City Palace, the former residence of the royal family, the Hawa Mahal, the palace of winds with its intricate facade, and the Amer Fort, a majestic fort on a hill overlooking the city. Also, a short trip from Delhi!

One of the best ways to enjoy Diwali is by indulging in some delicious and decadent sweets, or mithai, that are specially prepared for this occasion. Here are some of the most popular and easy Diwali sweets that you can try at home or buy from a nearby Indian store.

• Laddoo: Laddoo is a spherical sweet that comes in many varieties and flavors. It is made by rolling together ingredients like flour, sugar, ghee, nuts, seeds, and spices. Some of the most common types of laddoo are boondi laddoo, made from tiny fried balls of gram flour, besan laddoo, made from roasted gram flour and ghee, and coconut laddoo, made from grated coconut and condensed milk. Laddoos are soft, chewy, and nutty, and can be stored for a long time. They are also considered auspicious and are often offered to the gods and goddesses during Diwali puja (worship).

• Barfi: Barfi is a fudge-like sweet that is usually cut into squares, diamonds, or circles. It is made from milk solids, sugar, and flavorings like nuts, fruits, and spices. Some of the most popular varieties of barfi are kaju katli, made from cashew nuts and silver leaf, pista barfi, made from pistachios and saffron, and mango barfi, made from mango pulp and cardamom. Barfis are smooth, creamy, and rich, and can be decorated with nuts, dried fruits, or edible flowers. They are also a great gift idea for your friends and family.

• Halwa: Halwa is a pudding-like sweet that is cooked with ghee, sugar, and water or milk. It can be made from various ingredients like flour, semolina, carrots, beets, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Some of the most popular varieties of halwa are gajar ka halwa, made from grated carrots and milk, sooji ka halwa, made from semolina and raisins, and beet halwa, made from grated beets and pistachios. Halwas are warm, aromatic, and comforting, and can be served hot or cold. They are also a great way to use seasonal produce and add some color to your Diwali table.

• Peda: Peda is a soft and crumbly sweet that is usually shaped into flat discs or balls. It is made from khoya, a thickened milk product, sugar, and flavorings like cardamom, saffron, and rose water. Some of the most popular varieties of peda are kesari peda, made from saffron and nuts, Dharwad peda, made from caramelized sugar and milk, and mathura peda, made from roasted khoya and sugar. Pedas are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth, and fragrant, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert. They are also a traditional offering to Lord Krishna, the god of love and joy.

• Gulab Jamun: Gulab jamun is a deep-fried sweet that is soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom, rose water, and saffron. It is made from khoya, flour, baking powder, and ghee. The balls of dough are fried until golden and then immersed in the hot syrup until they absorb the sweetness and become soft and juicy. Gulab jamuns are spongy, syrupy, and heavenly, and can be served warm or cold. They are also a favorite dessert for many Indians and are often paired with ice cream or rabri, a thickened milk pudding.

These are just some of the amazing places you can explore and sweets to try in India during Diwali. There are many more destinations that offer unique and memorable experiences for travelers.  I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip to India and enjoy the festival of lights. Happy Diwali! 🎆🎇🪔