Skip to content »
Skip to second navigation »

Nov

13

2012

Nov

13

2012


Diwali the Festival of Lights in Mumbai, India

Published by Sami Holloway, Writer

Country: India

The Experience

Diwali is a joyous Hindu holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and illuminates the homes and hearts of all who take part with hope for the new year. Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights is a five-day festival centered on family and community fellowship marked with lights, delicious feasts, fireworks, street fairs, prayer and music. As the name suggests much of the celebration involves light or small candles called Diyas, which are lit to signify personal victory of good over evil and the return of faith. This luminescent festival starts each day before sunrise with entire cities lit up by thousands of candles, lights and lamps. Flowers are strung into garlands and draped over homes and businesses as people flock into the streets to share each others joy. At night fireworks light the sky like the city below as everyone celebrates in their best wears to bring in the new year.

As a lunar holiday the dates shift on western calendars but remains the same by the Gregorian calendar, though it typically falls in the second half of October or the first half of November. The origins of Diwali vary by location, some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu, whereas others from Bengal believe the celebration is dedicated worshiping the goddess of strength, Mother Kali. It is a time to purify the home, ones soul, and celebrate a bountiful harvest.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Diwali Festival

While every town and city in India celebrates Diwali, one of the most elaborate and extensive holiday celebrations is held in Mumbai. Fortunately the festival falls after the monsoon season, and is within the best months to visit India.

Odds n' Ends

Out of respect for the culture women should wear long skirts or covered clothing when attending religious ceremonies.

Want a Guide?

India In Style - GAPAdventures.com
From the grandeur of Mughal Palaces in the North to the relaxed natural beauty of the South, this journey through India is sure to capture your imagination. A vibrant land of contrasts, India offers a tantalizing mix of ancient and modern, iconic monuments, romantic palaces and unforgettable memories.

More Experiences Nearby

Ellora Caves of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
India is like the proverbial box of chocolates. You never quite know what you’re gonna get. When fingering the relevant chapter in your guide book on the northern state of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are unlikely to be the last strawberry creams in the chocolate box that are unceremoniously oozing their sweet centre under the relentless north Indian sunshine. The fact is, there are no strawberry creams in India. Sandwiched between Agra’s Taj Mahal to the north, and the Bollywood stronghold of Mumbai to the southwest, the small medieval town of Aurangabad (or ‘City of Gates’ as it is affectionately ...167 miles away.

Video

Video Wall

You are now being transfered to our Video Wall

Books and DVDs

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009: 850 Trends, Destinations, Journeys & Experiences for the Year Ahead
India Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
India doesn't even have to try: it will bowl you out with its head-reeling mix of cultures, its fast-swelling cities, its still-visible history and its thousands of different landscapes.
Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips (Hardcover)
No one knows the world like National Geographic—and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out.

Elsewhere on the Web

Diwali: Festival of Lights - About.com
It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance and dazzles all with its joy.
Diwali - Wikipedia.org
Diwali (or Deepavali) is a major Hindu holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. [3] Many legends are associated with Diwali.

Media References

Locals celebrate Indian holiday Diwali - ThePortervileReporter.com (newspaper)
A production of cultural traditional entertainment, food and an array of lavishly outfitted atendees brought the Indian culture to life as hundreds partook in the annual Diwali celebration.
Fireworks, Lights Brighten Diwali Hindu Festival - NationalGepgraphic.com ()
On Tuesday, fireworks and festive lights will brighten the moonless night as an estimated billion followers of the Hindu religion around the world celebrate Diwali, the festival of light.

Language Guides

Hindi , Portugese , Russian are some of the languages spoken in India. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

Discussion

Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.

People with experience


People who wish to experience


Recent Tweets

Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "diwali festival":