About This Festival
Diwali — the Festival of Lights — is India's most celebrated national holiday, marking the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Traditionally celebrated over five days in October or November, the five-day sequence begins with Dhanteras (associated with prosperity and wealth), followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main night of Lakshmi Puja when homes are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps (diyas), then Goverdhan Puja, and finally Bhai Dooj celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. In Jaipur and Udaipur, palaces are illuminated and the City Palace of Udaipur organises spectacular celebrations on the lake. In Varanasi, the ghats are lined with thousands of diyas. Diwali is also the new year for many Hindu communities and a major time for family gatherings, sweets and the exchange of gifts. If you want to experience India not only as a country of monuments but as a living culture, Diwali is a wonderful time to visit — homes, temples, markets, hotels, monuments and historic neighbourhoods are all illuminated. Jaipur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi are particularly interesting destinations during the festival period.
Where to Celebrate
Plan Your Visit
Udaipur's City Palace lights up for Diwali — one of the most spectacular settings in India.
View JourneyTime your Udaipur visit to coincide with Diwali for palace illuminations on the lake.
View JourneyVaranasi at Diwali is lit by thousands of diyas along every ghat.
View Journey
October "“ March
Delhi · Agra · Bharatpur · Jaipur · Ranthambore · Bundi · Udaipur · Rawla Narlai · Jodhpur · Delhi
September "“ February
Delhi · Agra · Ramathra Fort · Ranthambore · Jaipur · Pushkar · Deogarh · Udaipur · Ranakpur · Kumbhalgarh · Jodhpur · Delhi
Upcoming dates to be confirmed. Enquire with Om for the latest information.
Om will design your itinerary to arrive at the perfect moment.
