7 Best Places to Celebrate the Festival of Light - Deepawali in India
Table of Content:
- Deepawali Timing and Schedule of the Festivities in 2023
- Ayodhya’s Deepotsav Festival
- Dev Deepawali of Varanasi
- Odisha’s Kaunriya Kathi Deepawali
- Kolkata’s Kali Puja Deepawali
- Gujarat’s Deepawali
- Goa’s Narak Chaturdasi Deepawali
- Rajasthan’s Deepawali
Deepawali means Deepotsav, as per the Hindu calendar, every year on the new moon of Kartik month is the biggest and most important festival. This festival is the biggest festival of lights, the festival of Deepawali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Mata Lakshmi Ji is worshiped in all the houses on this day.
Deepawali Festival is celebrated because on this day Lord Rama returned back to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after fourteen years of exile, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting countless lamps in the joy of returning Ram Ji. Since then, the festival of Deepawali is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm to date.
Even though many festivals are celebrated in India but the festival of Light "Deepawali" has its special place. Deepawali is one of those festivals that is celebrated in different ways throughout the country for different reasons.
Deepawali Timing and Schedule of the Festivities in 2023
The Deepawali Festival is a five days festival. During Deepawali, there will be five days of festivities, beginning on Friday, 10 November 2023 and ending on Tuesday, 14 November 2023. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 12 November 2023 .
The Deepawali Festival is a five days festival. During Deepawali, there will be five days of festivities, beginning on Friday, 10 November 2023 and ending on Tuesday, 14 November 2023. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 12 November 2023 .
- Day 1 - Dhanteras - Friday, 10 November 2023 (Trayodashi)- Festival of Purchasing Gold and Metals
- Day 2 - Narak Chaturdashi or RoopChadas - Saturday, 11 November 2023 (Chaturdashi)- Decorations and Making Rangolis
- Day 3 - Deepawali (Laxmi Puja) - Sunday, 12 November 2023 (Amavasya)- Festival of Lights and diyas (Deepawali)
- Day 4 - Govardhan Puja - Monday, 13 November 2023 (Pratipada)- Offer prayers to Lord Goverdhan (Shri Krishna)
- Day 5 - Bhai Dooj - Tuesday, 14 November 2023 (Dwitiya)- Celebration of brothers and sisters
Deepawali Timing and Schedule of the Festivities in 2022
The Deepawali Festival is a five days festival. During Deepawali, there will be five days of festivities, beginning on Saturday, October 22, and ending on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, October 24, 2022.
The Deepawali Festival is a five days festival. During Deepawali, there will be five days of festivities, beginning on Saturday, October 22, and ending on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, October 24, 2022.
- Day 1 - Dhanteras - Saturday, 22, October 2022 (Trayodashi): Festival of Purchasing Gold and Metals
- Day 2 - Choti Diwali - Sunday, 23 October 2022 (Chaturdashi): Decorations and Making Rangolis
- Day 3 - Deepawali (Laxmi Puja) - Monday, 24 October 2022 (Amavasya): Festival of Lights and diyas (Deepawali)
- Day 4 - Govardhan Puja - Tuesday, 25 October 2022 (Pratipada): Offer prayers to Lord Goverdhan (Shri Krishna)
- Day 5 - Bhai Dooj - Wednesday, 26 October 2022 (Dwitiya): Celebration of brothers and sisters
1. Ayodhya’s Deepotsav Festival or Ayodhaya’s Deepawali
The joy of returning Lord Ram to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile was a very heartful and emotional celebration for the people of Ayodhya. On this day the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Ram by lighting thousands of Diyas. By keeping this tradition alive even after thousands of years, people in Ayodhya even today decorate the city and households by lighting innumerable diyas and lamps on the new moon night of Kartik month.
The main attraction of the Deepawali celebration can be seen at the bank of the Saryu River at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya where Deepotsav is celebrated by lightening the Lacs of Diya and lamp. Along with Deepotsav various cultural programs are organized that showcases the tale of Ramayan. As part of Deepotsav, drones were used to tell the story of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya. Lord Ram's story is also told through laser shows.
Ayodhya sets the world record for the largest oil lamp display with over 9 lakh diyas along Saryu. Last year, over nine lakh diyas were lit around Ram Ki Paidi as part of the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya while around three lakhs were lit throughout the city.
This year's Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya is going to include the following programs -
- In November this year, the Seventh Deepotsav will take place in Ayodhya with grandeur. It aims to establish a new Guinness World Record by lighting 14 lakh 50 thousand diyas. In preparation for the celebration, 16 lakh diyas are being decorated and for this purpose, 18000 volunteers will help this mission become a reality.
- The laser light show and Drone show will be another highlight of this program.
- In order to enhance the grandeur of Deepotsav this year, seven foreign troupes will stage Ram Katha. Only Sri Lankan and Nepalese Ramlila troupes participated in Deepotsav last year. The Ramlila troupes from Trinidad and Tobago, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia are already finalized and will arrive at this year's Deepotsav. Contact is being made with the Culture Departments of Fiji, the Philippines, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Russia too.
- People worship Lakshmi Ji on this day by wearing new clothes and sharing sweets, forgetting their differences. During this festival, children light firecrackers and women decorate their homes with rangolis.
Ayodhya Deepawali Celebration Image
2. Dev Deepawali of Varanasi
More than a million diyas (earthen lights) are lit on the steps of all the ghats along the Ganges River's waterfront, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Rajghat, in honor of Ganga, the Ganges, and its presiding goddess. According to tradition, Lord Shiva slew the demon Tripurasur on Karthik Purnima, and the gods descended to Earth on this day to bathe in the holy Ganga. This triumph is commemorated as Dev Deepawali.
On this day, a large number of devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganges. It is also known as Tripura Purnima Snan or Kartik Snan. Pandit Kishori Raman Dubey (Babu Maharaj) established the ritual of lighting the lamps on the Dev Deepawali festival day in 1991 at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Houses are decked with oil lamps and colorful decorations on their front doorways during Dev Deepawali. Fireworks are set off at night and oil lights are placed afloat on the river. Deepawali will be celebrated this year on November 7.
More than a million diyas (earthen lights) are lit on the steps of all the ghats along the Ganges River's waterfront, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Rajghat, in honor of Ganga, the Ganges, and its presiding goddess. According to tradition, Lord Shiva slew the demon Tripurasur on Karthik Purnima, and the gods descended to Earth on this day to bathe in the holy Ganga. This triumph is commemorated as Dev Deepawali.
On this day, a large number of devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganges. It is also known as Tripura Purnima Snan or Kartik Snan. Pandit Kishori Raman Dubey (Babu Maharaj) established the ritual of lighting the lamps on the Dev Deepawali festival day in 1991 at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Houses are decked with oil lamps and colorful decorations on their front doorways during Dev Deepawali. Fireworks are set off at night and oil lights are placed afloat on the river. Deepawali will be celebrated this year on November 7.
Varanasi Deepawali Celebration Image
3. Odisha’s Kaunriya Kathi Deepawali
On the occasion of Kali Puja, which is celebrated for seven days in Bhadrak, special pooja are performed at Bhadrakali Peetha, and the goddess is dressed in seven different attires during these days. A large crowd had assembled inside the temple to pray to the goddess.
Puri sees a large crowd during Deepawali as locals observe 'Badabadua Daka' to pay homage to their ancestors. People congregate outside the 12th-century Jagannath temple to burn jute sticks (known as Kaunriya Kathi in the local language), inviting their ancestors to descend from heaven and bless them on Diwali. The jute stick burning is accompanied by the prayer 'Badabadua Ho Andhaare Aasa, Aalua Re Jao' (Ancestors, come in darkness and go back along the lighted path).
The Grand Road in front of the Jagannath temple is a wonderful sight on this day, with hundreds of bundles of jute sticks being lit. This customary ceremony has been prohibited for a few years. The decision to prohibit the practice was made to minimize air pollution generated by smoke from the burning of jute sticks, which could exacerbate the Covid-19 issue.
On the occasion of Kali Puja, which is celebrated for seven days in Bhadrak, special pooja are performed at Bhadrakali Peetha, and the goddess is dressed in seven different attires during these days. A large crowd had assembled inside the temple to pray to the goddess.
Puri sees a large crowd during Deepawali as locals observe 'Badabadua Daka' to pay homage to their ancestors. People congregate outside the 12th-century Jagannath temple to burn jute sticks (known as Kaunriya Kathi in the local language), inviting their ancestors to descend from heaven and bless them on Diwali. The jute stick burning is accompanied by the prayer 'Badabadua Ho Andhaare Aasa, Aalua Re Jao' (Ancestors, come in darkness and go back along the lighted path).
The Grand Road in front of the Jagannath temple is a wonderful sight on this day, with hundreds of bundles of jute sticks being lit. This customary ceremony has been prohibited for a few years. The decision to prohibit the practice was made to minimize air pollution generated by smoke from the burning of jute sticks, which could exacerbate the Covid-19 issue.
Odisha's Deepawali Celebration Image
4. Kolkata’s Kali Puja Deepawali
On this day, people worship Mata Shyama and Mata Kali by offering sweets, lentils, rice, and fish. Bengalis organize Bhoot Chaturdashi ceremonies a day before Diwali to fend off bad influences by lighting 14 diyas in their homes.
At this event, worshippers flock to the city's Kali temples, including Kalighat, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar. Visitors can also see magnificently decorated idols of the Goddess Kali on exhibit throughout the city. During Deepawali, the entire city is illuminated with brilliant oil lamps, candles, string lights, and fireworks around every corner.
On this day, people worship Mata Shyama and Mata Kali by offering sweets, lentils, rice, and fish. Bengalis organize Bhoot Chaturdashi ceremonies a day before Diwali to fend off bad influences by lighting 14 diyas in their homes.
At this event, worshippers flock to the city's Kali temples, including Kalighat, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar. Visitors can also see magnificently decorated idols of the Goddess Kali on exhibit throughout the city. During Deepawali, the entire city is illuminated with brilliant oil lamps, candles, string lights, and fireworks around every corner.
Kolkata's Deepawali Celebration Image
5. Gujarat’s Deepawali
In Gujarat, the next day, or the 12th day of the Aso Vad, is known as Vagh Baras or Vad Baras. Cows and animals are worshipped on this day, particularly in the interiors and rural areas. The term Vagh refers to the payment of financial debts. As a result, this day is dedicated to paying off debts and clearing up accounts.
Gujarat, like the rest of India, celebrates Dhanteras on the third day. This day is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Gujarat celebrates the fourth day as Kali Chaudas. It falls on the fourteenth day of the Aso Vad month.
The primary and most important day of Diwali celebrations is Lakshmi Puja. It occurs on the new moon day, or Amavasya, on the 15th day of Aso Vad, the last day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin. According to the Gujarati calendars, today is the last day of the year.
Gujarat celebrated its New Year on Govardhan Puja, the day following Deepawali. Bestu Varas is celebrated on this day. In Gujarat, this is celebrated on the first day of the new month of Kartik, also known as Kartak Sud Ekam. Bhai Bij is the second day of Gujarati New Year. This is a day for siblings. Dev Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated in Gujarat on the 15th of Kartik month, Karthik Poornima.
In Gujarat, the next day, or the 12th day of the Aso Vad, is known as Vagh Baras or Vad Baras. Cows and animals are worshipped on this day, particularly in the interiors and rural areas. The term Vagh refers to the payment of financial debts. As a result, this day is dedicated to paying off debts and clearing up accounts.
Gujarat, like the rest of India, celebrates Dhanteras on the third day. This day is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Gujarat celebrates the fourth day as Kali Chaudas. It falls on the fourteenth day of the Aso Vad month.
The primary and most important day of Diwali celebrations is Lakshmi Puja. It occurs on the new moon day, or Amavasya, on the 15th day of Aso Vad, the last day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin. According to the Gujarati calendars, today is the last day of the year.
Gujarat celebrated its New Year on Govardhan Puja, the day following Deepawali. Bestu Varas is celebrated on this day. In Gujarat, this is celebrated on the first day of the new month of Kartik, also known as Kartak Sud Ekam. Bhai Bij is the second day of Gujarati New Year. This is a day for siblings. Dev Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated in Gujarat on the 15th of Kartik month, Karthik Poornima.
Gujarat's Deepawali Celebration Image
6. Goa’s Narak Chaturdasi Deepawali
According to Hindu legend, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the second day. In some parts of India, this day marks the end of the year. This day is all about cleaning up the slate before the new year begins and getting rid of everything unpleasant. People get up early, wash their clothing, and dress in clean or new attire.
Locals decorate their homes with bright lights and make colourful designs (Rangoli) on the floor with coloured powder and rice, which are supposed to bring good luck.
According to Hindu legend, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the second day. In some parts of India, this day marks the end of the year. This day is all about cleaning up the slate before the new year begins and getting rid of everything unpleasant. People get up early, wash their clothing, and dress in clean or new attire.
Locals decorate their homes with bright lights and make colourful designs (Rangoli) on the floor with coloured powder and rice, which are supposed to bring good luck.
Goa Deepawali Celebration Image
7. Rajasthan’s Deepawali
During Diwali, the streets and marketplaces are illuminated as well as the houses and structures, casting a spell of enchantment, splendour, and joy over the city like a warm blanket. As if that weren't enough, competitions for the best-decorated marketplaces are organized, adding to the excitement of the festival.
Jaipur is well-known for hosting the best Deepawali celebrations. This lively celebration is enjoyed by all residents of this dynamic city. All the markets within the Pink City's boundaries, including Chaura Rasta, the Heart of Jaipur Johari Bazar, the largest market of Saris Lalji Sand ka Rasta, Badi chaupar, and Choti chaupar, are prominent destinations to visit during Deepawali.
During Diwali, the streets and marketplaces are illuminated as well as the houses and structures, casting a spell of enchantment, splendour, and joy over the city like a warm blanket. As if that weren't enough, competitions for the best-decorated marketplaces are organized, adding to the excitement of the festival.
Jaipur is well-known for hosting the best Deepawali celebrations. This lively celebration is enjoyed by all residents of this dynamic city. All the markets within the Pink City's boundaries, including Chaura Rasta, the Heart of Jaipur Johari Bazar, the largest market of Saris Lalji Sand ka Rasta, Badi chaupar, and Choti chaupar, are prominent destinations to visit during Deepawali.
Jaipur Deepawali Celebration Image
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