Diwali (Hindu Festival

of Lights) - India
Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. This festival of lights
symbolizes several things, like the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair and so on. Before
Diwali, there is a nationwide clean-up at almost everybody’s home, and during the 5-day festival
(Diwali itself if officially on October 19 this year), there are numerous rituals that are performed,
each unique in its own way.  Diwali celebrations differ all over the country. While lighting lamps
and bursting crackers form the main part of the festivities, there is much more to this festival.

This festival ties people from almost every religion, caste and community together. While visitors
will be able to celebrate this week in just about any corner of India, some cities are more famous
than other for this event.  The Golden Temple of Amritsar is draped with brightly lit diyas on the
Diwali evening making it an extravagant spectacle for the onlookers.  Every Diwali in Goa,
competitions are held to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon
Narakasura, in celebration of his defeat.  If in Varanasi, make sure you stay at one of the riverside
hotels in order to enjoy a fabulous view of the fireworks over the Ganges River. Mumbai may not
be one of the most traditional venues to witness Diwali, but it is arguably one of the most
spectacular.  And if you see yourself celebrating a quiet and peaceful Diwali, the smaller village of
Purushwadi is the place to be.  Families there light a huge bonfire and cook traditional foods while
local children go door to door singing traditional songs.  
Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India.
This festival ties people from almost every religion, caste and community together.