Find cheap last minute flights deals to visit India this Diwali

The ‘festival of lights’ or Diwali is a joyous occasion for Indians and the diaspora living worldwide. The occasion marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after 14 years of exile and killing Ravan. The festival is celebrated on a large scale and witnessed by many international photographers and tourists. Travelers from abroad can easily get cheap last minute flights deals for India around Deepavali and witness the enigmatic ‘festival of lights’ from any location in the country.

Diwali is celebrated 20 days after the Dussehra festival- which celebrates the killing of Ravana. The celebration is generally a 3-5 days affair. People love to purchase new jewelry or gadgets during this occasion. Clad in new clothes, people illuminate their homes with earthen lamps or diyas, lights, and colorful rangoli, pray to Goddess Laxmi, visit loved ones to exchange gifts, sweets, and dry fruits, and burn fireworks amidst endless hours of feasting.

Now let us take a look at how Deepavali is celebrated across India:

Maharashtra:

The festive state of Maharashtra starts the celebration with Vasu Baras which is a celebration of venerated cows. This is followed by Dhantrayodashi, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali Cha Padva, Bhav-Bij, and Tulsi Vivah. On the occasion of Diwali,  the festival is celebrated by praying to Goddess Lakshmi, decorating the house with lights, and exchanging sweets and gifts.

Through the 5 day celebrations, the people hang ‘Akash-kandil’ or ‘Akash-dive’ and light up ‘panti’s outside their homes. Maharashtrians love to cook delicacies like Chivda, Chakali, Shankar-pale, Anarse, Kadaboli, Karanji, Shev, Chirot, and so on.

West Bengal:

In West Bengal, the ‘festival of lights’ is celebrated along with Kali Puja or Shyama Puja. At home, people perform Laxmi Puja, light diyas, candles, and lights. just like everywhere else in India.

Kali Puja is a night-long celebration where Puja is performed at Kali temples. The merriment and feasting go on for 3 days during the Diwali festival. People love to eat sweets, lentils, rice, and fish during the festive season. A big part of Kali Puja is the preparation of mouth-watering mangsho or goat meat.

Become part of the Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations in Kolkata. Find cheap last minute flights deals with Flyopedia and witness the joyous ‘festival of lights’ with your own eyes.

Punjab-

In Punjab, the festival marks the arrival of the winter season for the farming community. Both Hindus and Sikhs grandly celebrate the festival. Sikhs also celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas or the day of liberation on this day. The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is a sight to watch on this day- the whole temple is lit with earthen lamps, lights and sumptuous langar (free kitchen) is served to devotees who pay a visit to the holy shrine from across the world.

The spectacular sight of the Golden Temple is a not to be missed sight on the happy occasion of Deepavali. Book cheap international flight tickets to India this October and take part in the world-famous ‘festival of lights’ this year.

Odisha-

Odisha celebrates Diwali just like across India. But few traditions are completely different. Odias add the tradition of ‘Pimpeii Kathi Daak’. People come together around a Tulsi plant to pray and pay respect to their ancestors. Devotees burn jute sticks while reciting a prayer to seek blessings and good luck from the deities.  Tarpan is offered to Goddess Lakshmi. Kali puja is also performed in some towns of Odisha on Diwali.

Many Odias pay tribute by visiting the famous Jagannath Temple. People get together on the 22 steps of the temple and offer Shradha to their ancestors by feeding Brahmins, and then burning Kaunriya Kathis in the evening time.

Uttar Pradesh:

Diwali at Varanasi or Ayodhya is a memorable event that tourists from across the world gather to witness. Dev Diwali in Varanasi is a special event that occurs 15 days after Diwali is celebrated across the country. The festivity starts with devotees taking a dip in the holy Ganges. As the river is considered divine and pure, Ganga Snana initiates the festivities.

Locals and tourists gather around the streets to explore fairs and meals and exchange sweets with their loved ones and neighbors. In the evening, millions of pious devotees perform puja on the ghats of the river and send Diyas with light.

Foreign pro photographers and travel enthusiasts must take part in the glorious merriment this Diwali. Book cheap international flight tickets to India and plan a last-minute visit this festive season.

The occasion is complemented by other festivities like fests, fairs, and dinner parties across the nation. The month of Deepavali is a perfect time to pay a visit to India. Go online to book air tickets from USA to Delhi this festive season and revel in the endless festivities this year.

The joyous festival is largely celebrated by all religious groups- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Though each state or ethnic group celebrates the blessed occasion in a slightly different way, the symbolism behind the festival remains the same- the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil!