Diwali In India - Lights, Love, and the Journey Home
If you’ve ever celebrated Diwali in the U.S., you know the joy - lighting diyas on the balcony, sharing mithai with friends, and video-calling family back in India. But celebrating Diwali in India? That’s a whole different magic.
In India, Diwali isn’t just a one-day festival; it’s a five-day celebration filled with traditions, each day holding its own meaning. It begins with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day), Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, with the celebrations running from October 18 to October 22.
During this time, streets are soaked in golden light, each house filled with loud laughter, and the smell of fresh sweets takes you back to the Diwalis of your childhood.
New Delhi – The Sparkling Capital
Delhi bursts out with joy during Diwali. Markets like Chandni Chowk overflow with people shopping for sweets and decorative diyas. It’s not just houses; people lit diyas out of celebration around the famous buildings as well. Families gather for prayers, gifts, and fireworks light the sky, rekindling every memory of growing up with Diwali magic!
Fun Fact: The rows of diyas lit during Diwali are said to welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, which adds another layer of significance to the twinkling lights decorating every street.
Festive Eat: Motichoor Ladoo - Tiny balls of sweetness made from gram flour pearls soaked in sugar syrup, a North Indian favorite during Diwali.
Joining these celebrations is an adventure in itself. If you want to be a part of Diwali in India, getting a cheap deal on SFO to Delhi non-stop flights is a good way to do so. However, if you want to add more elements to your trip and are looking for a budget-friendly way to travel overseas, the better alternative would be to travel with a layover with an affordable round-trip ticket from New York to Delhi.
Mumbai – Lights by the Sea
Along Marine Drive, lights twinkle like a perfect reflection of the clear night sky on earth. Mumbai's festive vibe is a mix of traditional celebrations and glamor-filled parties.
Traveling with business class tickets to Mumbai, India, from usa adds richness to your celebrations of Diwali in India. To enhance your celebrations, visit Siddhivinayak, attend Bollywood-style parties, and watch fireworks illuminating the city.
Cultural Note: The Diwali of Mumbai is all about mixing ancient traditions with Bollywood glamorous Diwali parties.
Festival Food: Karanji (Gujiya)-A crescent-shaped sweet pastry filled with coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits that are much loved in Maharashtra. Do try this pastry, they are not very expensive, and you can surely save with cheap deals on flights from Miami to Mumbai from Travelopod.
Hyderabad – Tradition Meets Today
Hyderabad uniquely celebrates Diwali: Rangoli. Rangoli adorns the threshold, much like those loving ones or thought-through creations made by families. The sweet smell of Ariselu brings back warm memories of grandma’s kitchen. Fireworks sparkle over the still waters of Hussain Sagar Lake.
Did you know? Ariselu is a famous rice-flour-jaggery sweet prepared in Telugu houses at least a few days before Diwali, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity.
Festive Eat: Ariselu, soft, jaggery-sweetened rice flour treats that melt in your mouth.
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Bengaluru – Cozy Evenings, Bright Streets
Bengaluru’s tech hub status draws people from all over the world, adding extra sparkle to the city’s celebrations. From Lakshmi Puja, where oil lamps are lit, turning homes into beacons of hope, to the festive vibes pervading tech parks and malls, and the serene streets glow with a crackling chorus.
Did You Know? It's an old belief in South India that its first crackers must be burst at dawn on Diwali to cast away evil and welcome fresh beginnings.
Festive Eat: Mysore Pak - A staple of Karnataka's dessert fair, with its buttery richness and sweet, sweet fudge made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee.
Even if you are planning a spontaneous trip, finding last-minute flight deals to Bangalore is easy because of the seamless connectivity of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Chennai – Celebrations from Sunrise
In Chennai, Diwali begins at sunrise with fragrant jasmine garlands, soothing oil baths, and the sweet aroma of freshly made adhirasam filling the air. Temples shine bright with flowers and lamps, while crackling sounds mix with the happy noise all day, bringing back memories of the joy from younger days.
Festive Eat: Adhirasam is a deep-fried, flavorful sweet prepared with rice flour and jaggery. This divine treat is said to have been gifted by Lord Vishnu to the earth on Diwali Day.
When you take flights from the USA to Chennai, you dive right into the warm, cultural vibes the city offers, perfectly complementing the sparkle of Diwali celebrations.
Ahmedabad – Diwali with Dance
Ahmedabad elevates Diwali celebrations with vibrant Garba, where lively beats and colorful dances create a festive atmosphere that feels like a nonstop street party. Watching the diyas off on the Sabarmati is an image of hundreds of tiny wishes being let loose.
Fun Fact: The Garba dance is dedicated to Goddess Durga, whereas the circular dance movements portray the cycle of life and hope that is brought by Diwali.
Festive Eat: Basundi - A rich milk-based dessert, infused with saffron and topped with dry fruits, cherished across Gujarat.
Kochi – Peaceful Lights on the Water
Kerala’s Diwali is gentle, just like a lullaby. Families share sweets like Neyyappam, light oil lamps, and watch peaceful fireworks over calm backwaters. Cochin’s peaceful Diwali festivities are the perfect excuse best flight deals to Cochin.
Did You Know? Though Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival, Diwali is celebrated quietly with lamps to drive away darkness and welcome good fortune.
Festive Eat: Neyyappam - Small, sweet rice flour and jaggery pancakes fried to golden perfection.
Kolkata – The Power of Kali Puja
In Kolkata, Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, adding extra ambience of energy. Temples twinkle with the sparkle of candles and marigolds from Gulmohar to Ashoka trees. You can hear the loud beat of the dhak drums in the evenings from every corner. Watching fireworks over the calm Hooghly River, you realize that no matter where you are, a little of this homey spirit always stays with you.
Cultural Note: Kali Puja, unique to Bengal, honors the fierce goddess Kali, revered for vanquishing evil. The loud ringing of lamps and Bonga lights is meant to honor her and seek her protection.
Festive Eat: Rosogolla (Rasgulla) - Soft, spongy balls made from chhena (paneer) soaked in light sugar syrup, a Bengali staple.
Always book a one-way flight to Kolkata, because the lively energy will pull you in, leaving you no choice but to join the garbha and celebrations
Why Go to India for Diwali?
Diwali lights up India with sacred warmth, love, and joy. The air smells sweet and floral, laughter resounds all around, and strangers feel like family. Loud crackers are set off in the sky while diyas glow faintly beneath, and every bite of food tastes just like a piece of your childhood. This is more of a journey back to where one belongs. In Diwali in India, home is not just an address- it is a feeling that covers you all around, happy and bright on every occasion.
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