Celebrating Diwali Across India: Best Group Tour Destinations for the Festival of Lights

Why Travel During Diwali?

Diwali (the Festival of Lights) is celebrated across India on the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartik — typically in October or November. While most Indians celebrate Diwali at home, a growing number of group travellers are choosing to experience this extraordinary festival at iconic Indian destinations, where local traditions, heritage settings, and grand scale make Diwali unforgettable. The weeks around Diwali are increasingly popular for group tours.

Varanasi: Dev Deepawali — India's Most Spectacular Festival Night

Varanasi hosts Dev Deepawali — the festival of the gods — on the full moon 15 days after Diwali (Kartik Purnima). Over one million oil lamps are lit on the 88 ghats along the Ganges simultaneously, turning the riverbanks into a galaxy of light. This is considered by many to be the most beautiful night anywhere in India. Group boat rides on the Ganga during Dev Deepawali are an unforgettable experience. Book hotels 3–4 months in advance.

Jaipur: Royal Diwali in the Pink City

Jaipur's havelis, palaces, and bazaars are illuminated magnificently during Diwali. Amber Fort and City Palace are lit with thousands of lights and the city markets are alive with the fragrance of incense, marigolds, and mithai. Groups can experience traditional Rajasthani Diwali with royal family hospitality at heritage hotels. The fireworks display over the old city's skyline is spectacular.

Amritsar: Diwali at the Golden Temple

Diwali at the Golden Temple in Amritsar coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas — the Sikh celebration of Guru Hargobind Ji's release from Mughal imprisonment. The Golden Temple is illuminated with thousands of candles and diyas, its reflection shimmering in the Amrit Sarovar (sacred pool). The fireworks display over the temple is extraordinarily beautiful. The Golden Temple langar (free community kitchen) feeds over 100,000 people on this day.

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Kolkata and West Bengal: Kali Puja and Jagaddhatri Puja

Kolkata and West Bengal celebrate Kali Puja on Diwali night — elaborate Kali idols are worshipped at neighbourhood pandals across the city. The atmosphere is charged and immersive. One week later, Chandannagar (40km from Kolkata) celebrates Jagaddhatri Puja with one of India's most extraordinary illuminated processions, where pandals compete with increasingly elaborate lighting installations.

Goa: A Tropical Diwali

Goa has a unique Diwali tradition — giant effigies of the demon Narakasura are burned at dawn on the day before Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi). Goans celebrate Narakasura Chaturdashi with great gusto — local neighbourhood groups compete to create the most creative and elaborate effigies. It's a fun, community-spirited celebration that combines Goan and Hindu traditions in a uniquely coastal setting.

Tips for Planning a Diwali Group Tour in India

Diwali falls on different dates each year (check the Hindu calendar). Plan your destination based on which celebration resonates with your group. Book all accommodation 3–6 months in advance as Diwali period hotels fill up extremely quickly. Flights become expensive in the week before and after Diwali — book early or travel by train. TravelBuddy offers Diwali-special group tour packages to Varanasi, Rajasthan, and Amritsar.