Diwali holiday ideas: celebrate at home or travel away

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Diwali brings a few days off for many families. Whether you want to celebrate somewhere special or escape for a quiet break, here are some ideas.

Celebrate Diwali somewhere special

• Varanasi: Diwali is followed about two weeks later by Dev Deepawali, when the ghats glow with lamps.
• Ayodhya: the Deepotsav celebration lights the Sarayu ghats with lakhs of lamps.
• Jaipur: markets and buildings are illuminated.
• Amritsar: the Golden Temple is beautifully lit for Bandi Chhor Divas.

Short breaks in India

• Goa: the start of the season, before peak prices.
• Rajasthan: pleasant weather.
• Kerala and the hills of the south.

Abroad

• Singapore: Deepavali is a public holiday, and Little India is decorated with lights and bazaars.
• Malaysia: Deepavali is a public holiday, with celebrations in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
• Dubai: large Indian community celebrations.
• Thailand: a quick beach or city break.
• Mauritius: Diwali is a public holiday, with homes lit by lamps.

Tips

• Diwali dates change each year; check them early.
• Flights from India are busy; book two to three months ahead.
• Some shops and restaurants in India close for the main day.

See Travelling during Diwali, Pongal and Christmas holidays: how to plan and our Short breaks page.

Getting the timing right

If you want to celebrate Diwali at home with family, consider travelling a few days after the festival, when demand drops. If you want to experience a famous celebration elsewhere, arrive a day early.

Safety

Fireworks are part of Diwali in many places. Families with young children and pets may prefer a quieter destination.

Combine with the weekend

Add a day or two of leave to Diwali to make a four- or five-night break.