Falling this year on the 11th November, Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of light is all about celebrating the victory of light over darkness – and in India, celebrate it they do!
Diwali is the biggest festival in India – not surprising when Hindu’s make up 80% of the population – but is celebrated by everyone (Sikh and Jain festivities coincide with it). Diwali stretches over 5 days with the festival itself taking place on the third night (11 Nov 2015, 30 Oct 2016, 19 Oct 2017), the darkest, new moon night. On this night everyone puts on something new or dresses up in their best clothes, light diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their houses and decorate with colourful rangoli artworks –colourful patterns on the floor using rice or powder. Families gather together to prayer, watch fireworks, eat plenty of delicious food – particularly sweets, and to exchange gifts.
Diwali is celebrated differently across India. For some, Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, lighting her way into homes with diya to instill good fortune. Other Hindus celebrate Diwali to honour the legend of Rama and Sita who, after 14 years of exile, returned to Rama’s kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravanna. Legend tells that the citizens of Rama’s capital lit his way home with thousands of lamps. Either way, the theme is always light’s victory over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Travelling during Diwali is a joyful and wonderful experience. A national holiday in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore, who will all have their own big and colourful celebrations, the very best place to witness this festival is India. Varanasi, Amritsar, Jaipur and Goa each have huge, colourful celebrations that are considered India’s best. The only recommendation that we would make for travelling at this time is that you book your hotels over this period as far in advance is possible – otherwise you’ll find most things stay open, and that you’ll be so swept up in the celebrations, it won’t matter anyway! However, if you are planning to travel in India during the festival and the celebrations don’t appear, head to Kerala where you’ll find the holiday is much more low key.
We have plenty more information about India here. If you feel that you’d prefer to visit India on a group tour, visit Wendy Wu Tours for a wealth of options.