When is Diwali in India?
Diwali, usually falling in Autumn (Northern hemisphere), is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Known as ‘the festival of lights’ Diwali celebrates good over evil with colourful celebrations lasting for 5 days. Many lanterns and decorations are put up in homes and on the streets with big firework displays too. It just so happens that I’m in India for this popular festival (yay!).
A week or so before Diwali, I see decorations being put up everywhere. Wandering around Udaipur especially, people are painting their front door steps and there are flowers hanging from all the temples and across the buildings. Woman are dancing in the streets and I can feel the excitement of the locals, eager to get the celebrations started.
I happen to be in Ahmedabad for the festival, a tiny town where no alcohol is allowed! However me and a few people from the tour group decide to head out and find some food stalls.
What kind of celebrations are there for Diwali in India?
We got talking to a friendly local man who said they will soon be setting off fireworks but ‘on India time’, so god knows when that will be! We decide to head to the main street which is packed full of people, out with the whole family. Fireworks are being set off here there and everywhere and in the middle of the street, one of them even hits me. Kind of exciting and scary at the same time! Eventually we find a place to sit and enjoy some street food.
All generations are out celebrating, and there are numerous food stalls selling savoury and sweet treats, balloons and lights all around. We sit and chat whilst soaking up the atmosphere and although it may not be the most exciting of places to be for the festival, I enjoy being out with the locals and experiencing a typical Diwali.
I would recommend heading to the larger cities if you want to spend Diwali in India but really, anywhere you go you will find some sort of celebration. It’s a great way to experience local culture so be sure to head out if you find yourself in India for Diwali.
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