While the light festival of Diwali traverses borders across India, two cities stand apart because of their historical and cultural values during this festival- Ayodhya and Kashi or Varanasi. Ayodhya, being the land of birth of Lord Rama, and Kashi, the spiritual heartland of India, the festive experience of Diwali is unique and unforgettable here.
Here’s a glance into how Diwali is celebrated in these two cities, each with its distinct sparkle and grandeur.
City of Light and Legend: Ayodhya
According to legend, it was on returning as a victor at the end of his 14 years of exile from his kingdom, Lord Rama was greeted by all citizens of the city. Lighting oil lamps to give respect to their prince would not be the last to start the grand celebrations over those years that mark their ‘Diwali of Lights’. Over time the festivity has increased in scope and grandeur to involve participation from around the globe as well as local villagers into this fantastic celebration festival of lights.
On Deepotsav day, the Sarayu River banks change with millions of diyas lit across the ghats and intricate patterns on the surface of the river. It becomes an ocean of twinkling light that is equivalent to the stars in the sky. It attempts to resuscitate the glee of Ayodhya at Rama’s return and has even entered the Guinness World Record for lighting the maximum number of diyas simultaneously. The spectacle is nothing less than magic: the reflections of a countless number of diyas across the water, warming the air and sending off rays of ethereal shine.
Cultural performances and plays like Ram Leela, a narration of the life of Lord Rama, add more glory to the visual splendor. Traditional music, dance, and dramatic narrations entertain people as they experience history and cultural significance up close. It culminates in the fireworks display symbolizing light over darkness.
Visiting Ayodhya during Diwali is quite a spectator sport, but this time it would be a different experience: to be part of an olden tradition and relive the epic that has been creating the Indian culture and spirit since centuries.
Did you know? This is the first Diwali in Ayodhya after winning the case!!
Kashi: The Spiritual Epicentre of Diwali
While Ayodhya enjoys Diwali with much more focus on the worships of Lord Rama, Kashi-Varanasi celebrates Diwali more with a focus on the devotion of Lord Shiva and Mother Ganga.
As one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Kashi provides an appeal that is all too unique, almost like the city has a style which cannot be dated across any period of time with anything other than Diwali. The city attracts one of its most fantastic celebrations called Dev Diwali, which marks itself as the time just weeks after the main day of Diwali festivities is said to be taken over by the gods to land on Earth to celebrate that which they had won-better from evil.
On Dev Diwali, the Ganges ghats are literally on fire with thousands of diyas, which makes for a very ethereal ambiance since these diyas float down the river and flickers of light travel along the water. People make pilgrimages as well as visitors partake in this ritual to set the diyas afloat to represent their prayers and hopes. The ceremony is deep spiritually as it connects with the divine while paying respects to the sacred river that has become a source of life and renewal.
One other significant attraction during Diwali in Kashi is the Ganga Aarti, which is held daily but is a lot grander on Diwali. The priests, clad in their traditional attire, carry out the aarti in intricate, choreographed steps, accompanied by the sounds of chanting, ringing of bells, and the conch. The place turns electric, as if one can feel an energy building up, with the entire city coming together to celebrate with deep reverence and joy.
In the narrow alleys and streets, one finds Kashi’s local charm. Homes, temples, and marketplaces are decorated with rangolis, fairy lights, and garlands of marigold flowers. Incense and sweets fill the air as visitors are drawn to the ancient bylanes of the city to discover hidden shrines and gems of history at every turn.
Must-Experience Magical Diwali Night
Experiencing Diwali in Ayodhya and Kashi makes the festival more than just experiencing it; it is rather being immersed in India’s spiritual heritage. Ayodhya embodies the grandest celebration of Rama returning, while Kashi leads to the soul of the Hindu spirit, connecting festival and centuries-old traditions, side by side with that Ganges.
Travelers looking to experience Diwali at its deepest and most breathtakingly beautiful will find Ayodhya and Kashi both astounding and transformative. These cities welcome visitors not only to see but also to participate in the festival spirit, connecting with the cultural heritage and ancient legends of India.
In Ayodhya and Kashi, Diwali becomes more than a celebration, it becomes an unforgettable journey into light, legend, and spirituality.
