Stepping into India during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, feels like entering a vibrant dream. The five-day celebration of good triumphing over evil lights up every corner, uniting people in an explosion of joy and colour. From bustling markets to illuminated monuments, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Arrival: Anticipation and Excitement
Arriving in Delhi, I’m immediately enveloped by the festival’s energy. Markets buzz with shoppers buying sweets, colourful clothes, and gifts, while vendors sell marigold garlands and vivid rangoli powders. Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest markets, is alive with stalls offering everything from glittering diyas to delicious mithai (sweets) like laddoos and barfis. Tempted by the sugary aromas, I sample some, savouring the rich flavours and sensing the celebration’s heartbeat.
Preparations in Jaipur
I travel to Jaipur, where Diwali is celebrated in grand style. Staying with a local family, I join in cleaning the house — a tradition to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. The family’s warmth makes the experience unforgettable. In the afternoon, we create a beautiful rangoli at the entrance using flower petals and coloured powders. As the sun sets, we light clay lamps, and a golden glow envelops the house, making the air feel almost magical.
Diwali Night: A Spectacle of Lights
The main night of Diwali is dazzling. Jaipur’s landmarks, like the Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort, sparkle under an ocean of lights. We gather for a prayer ceremony, offering flowers and sweets to Lakshmi, hoping for blessings. The prayers give way to an explosion of fireworks, illuminating the sky with bursts of colour. The sound of firecrackers, laughter, and joy fills the air as children run around with sparklers. Families come together to exchange gifts and feast on traditional delicacies: fragrant biryanis, crispy samosas, and creamy kheer. The meal, bursting with spices and sweetness, is a sensory delight.
Reflection and Calm
The day after Diwali brings a quieter celebration. I explore the serene side of Jaipur, visiting temples adorned with marigolds and enjoying cups of masala chai at roadside stalls. The city feels content, wrapped in the afterglow of festivities. Locals share stories and smiles, embodying the festival’s spirit of community. In the evening, I watch the sunset from Nahargarh Fort, overlooking the city as it slowly lights up again, a sea of twinkling lamps. It’s a tranquil, reflective moment that captures the balance of Diwali: the contrast between chaos and peace, light and darkness.
A Heartfelt Farewell
On my final day, I visit a rural village to witness a simpler Diwali. Here, the celebrations are more intimate but equally heart warming. Children light clay lamps, and elders recount stories of Diwali’s significance. There’s a timeless quality to the traditions, reminding me of the universal joy Diwali brings.
As I prepare to leave India, my heart feels full. Diwali isn’t just about lights and fireworks; it’s about hope, togetherness, and the shared celebration of life. It’s a festival that leaves a lasting glow, a warmth that I carry with me long after the lamps have dimmed. If you ever have the chance to experience Diwali in India, it’s a journey of light and love you’ll never forget.
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