DIWALI 2023: Even though Diwali is a popular festival across India, there are many regional variations with regard to how the festival is celebrated. Observing and participating in Diwali rituals that are different from your local celebrations can be a delightful and insightful experience. But to do so, one needs to travel to different parts of this vast country and see beyond the twinkling lights.
From Ayodhya to Jaipur to Amritsar, every state or region has its own way to celebrate the festival of lights in some unique manner. Diwali, this year will be celebrated on November 12. With a blend of contemporary mix and traditional touch, the celebrations come alive at different places. Here are five popular Indian destinations to celebrate Diwali.
Ayodhya
Ayodhya can easily be defined as the epicenter of Diwali celebrations. The city, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, is lit up to symbolically commemorate the return of their king after 14 years in exile. The special aarti performed on the shores of the Sarayu river offers a spiritual tranquility to devotees and visitors alike. This year the Diwali in Ayodhya is set to be even special. The government aims to set a world record by lighting 21 lakh diyas during the state-funded Deepotsav celebrations.
Goa
When one thinks of Goa one thinks of Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, Diwali in Goa is a unique affair. Many Goan Hindus mark Diwali by observing Naraka Chaturdashi. As per mythological tale, Narakasura asked for a boon from the goddess Bhudevi. He wanted people to celebrate his death with colorful celebrations. This boon was granted to him. Therefore, on the day of Diwali, many communities build effigies of Narakasura and then burn them. Many of these effigies are several feet high and are burned during public events or fairs.
Jaipur
The Diwali festivities in Jaipur start with Dhanteras, which falls two days before Diwali. The whole city is decorated with lights. One should climb up the decked-up Nahargarh Fort just to enjoy the stunning and illuminated cityscape of Jaipur from the top. Landmarks and markets like Jal Mahal, Johri Bazar, and Chaura Rasta look surreal during Diwali.
Amritsar
The holy city of Amritsar is mostly known for the Golden Temple. However, the city especially springs to life during Diwali as the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas overlaps with Diwali. The Bandi Chor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 other prisoners from Gwalior Fort, where they were imprisoned by Mughal king Jahangir. The Sikh festival is celebrated by lighting up homes, distributing sweets, and holding kirtans. It is interesting to see the overlapping of Hindu and Sikh traditions in Amritsar during Diwali.
Varanasi
Varanasi is known for celebrating Dev Deepawali, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva’s victory over demon Tripurasur. One must experience this distinct Deepawali during which devotees take a dip in the holy water of Ganga River in the morning. By evening the steps of Ravidas Ghat on the bank of Ganga are illuminated with over a million earthen diyas. It is believed that during Dev Deepawali, gods’ descend on earth to pay respect to the holy river Ganga.
Comments
0 comment