Diwali 2018: TV celebs suggest best places in India to visit during the festival of lights

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India and works as a great unifier since everybody gets into the festive spirit with religious rituals, sweets, celebrations, gifts and of course, bursting crackers!

Diwali is a time for families to come together in this celebration of life and the triumph of good over evil. This Diwali, TV celebs suggested some of the best Indian cities that witness the grandeur with which this auspicious occasion is celebrated.

Sara Khan: Experience Diwali celebrations on a grander scale at Varanasi. Start with a bath in the holy Ganges, exploring the bustling bazaars where everything from traditional clothes to sweets are sold. Take a sunset boat ride and watch the glimmering lamps against the backdrop of the religious recitals and chants by the river. The festivities culminate with a superb display of firecrackers. If you stay back for some more time in Varanasi, you can also participate in the Diwali of Gods or Dev Deepavali which is celebrated here as a part of the iconic Ganga Mahotsav Festival.

Pearl V Puri: Amritsar is a great place to visit during the revered occasion of Diwali. It is celebrated together with Bandi Chhor Divas, which is a big festival for Sikhs. There are special prayers or kirtans held throughout the city and the Golden Temple looks stunning when illuminated. You can also enjoy the cool weather, the beautiful sarson (mustard) fields and the infectious enthusiasm of the locals. Dig into the scrumptious local cuisine that will have you licking your fingers in no time!

Subhangi Atre: Goa is a wonderful destination to visit during Diwali. The celebrations start from Naraka Chaturdashi when people decorate their doors and windows with lanterns. Locals build several larger-than-life sized Narakasura effigies filled with firecrackers and grass and then burn them the next morning in the wee hours. This makes for a celebration worth beholding and you can also have a great time, visiting the hottest beaches, casinos, and swanky restaurants and lounges.

Manish Goplani: One should definitely witness the breathtaking celebrations in Jaipur which start right from Dhanteras. The Nahargarh Fort and other popular landmarks offer amazing views of the lighting that encompasses the entire city and also the fireworks. Not only this, the city bazaars brim with musicians playing folk favourites and some really meticulously made lamps and other artefacts. Indulge in the finest Marwari cuisine and shop for attractive souvenirs and handicrafts on your sojourn through Jaipur. You will also fall in love with the beautiful lakes of Udaipur that glow and shimmer with the reflections of fireworks and the lights of the palaces. Both these places offer regal celebrations of Diwali that just cannot be matched!

Mahika Sharma: Kolkata, the City of Joy lives up to its name during Diwali that coincides with the famous Kali Puja here. Goddess Kali is worshipped and you can witness the unique and detailed offerings to the Goddess including the famous Khichudri bhog, flowers, and sweets. The entire city comes alive with dazzling diyas, candles, and lamps, and you can also see some amazing fireworks at almost every street corner. It is this time when Kolkatans get over their post-Puja hangover and celebrate anew! One can also take a tour of the famous Kali Puja pandals in the city or visit the biggest religious shrines like the Kalighat Temple or Dakshineswar Temple, where Goddess Kali is worshipped by thousands of devotees.