Diwali celebrations are often the same fanfare of sweets, crackers, glittering decorations, and rustling wardrobe. We light lamps, spread a colourful Rangoli and exchange gifts and sweets with near and dear ones.
But if you are done with these routine affairs, then there are some destinations that will prove the myriad ways in which India celebrates Diwali.
Here are five such places that have a very unique way of celebrating Diwali.
The Coloured Markets Of Jaipur
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While lights and lamps are a special part of Diwali celebrations, what happens in Jaipur is worth a special visit. Whole markets and streets are fixed with lights of special designs, and it feels like entering a galaxy of stars, when you walk through these streets. Each year, there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market.
Burning The Demon In Goa
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Goa has a unique tradition where neighbourhoods make huge effigies of the demon Narkasur, which are then taken out in a procession, and burned at city squares at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali. Folklore has it that Lord Krishna killed this demon during Diwali. Another popular tradition in Goa is gambling, so you could also try your luck at the games.
Kali Puja In Kolkata
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While rest of the country focusses on Goddess Lakshmi, Kolkata performs the Kali Puja. Kali temples at Kalighat, Belur Math and Dakshineswar become the main centres, where huge crowds gather to worship the Goddess in its more fierce form.
The Tribal Traditions In Gujarat
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You can spend Diwali with the Dangs, a community of tribals near Baroda. They will welcome you into their simple homes, where they paint the traditional Rangoli, make simple tribal cuisine, and you can enjoy a peaceful Diwali, steeped in folklore. It can also be a generous gesture, as the revenue is shared by the whole village for its development.
The Return Of The Guru
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While other communities celebrate Diwali for the dawn of the Hindu new year, the Sikhs celebrate it for the return of their Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from Mughal imprisonment. Special kirtans echo through the city and the Golden Temple is bathed in light. You can enjoy their special cuisine and partake of their colourful celebrations.
So, if your wanderlust is looking to make the most of this Diwali, head to these destinations to participate in some unique traditions.
