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Published on: October 26, 2024
Diwali 2024 dates are 29th October to 3rd November, with the main festival of Deepawali falling on 31st October. This day is a public holiday in India.
Diwali or Deepawali in India is a Hindu religious festival celebrated with grandeur in the more northern parts of the country, and the Indian diaspora. It happens over five days, usually around the end of October or start of November. The exact dates vary each year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Diwali is a popular time for international tourists to visit India for an inimitable cultural experience. Akin the Thanksgiving in the USA, Guy Fawkes’ Night and Christmas in the UK and Europe, Diwali in India is a time of nighttime illuminations and convivial feasting. Seasonal pop-up markets present exciting souvenir options, street food and live entertainment.
A number of Hindu deities are honoured over the course of Diwali celebrations in India. One of the most significant being Lord Rama. With reference to the Hindu epic: The Ramayana, Deepawali in India marks the day Lord Rama and his wife Sita ended many years in exile, following Rama’s great battle to free his wife from the evil King Ravana. Throughout the course of the epic tale, Lord Rama serves as an example of how one should act selflessly to help others.
An avatar of Lord Rama’s wife Sita, Lakshmi: the Goddess of prosperity, is honoured during the five days of Diwali celebrations in India with gifts and prayers. Devotees hope that she will grant them wealth in gratitude for their offerings. Because of this relationship between Diwali, Lakshmi and financial gain, it is also deemed an auspicious time to engage in card games and gambling. Winners believe themselves to be the honoured recipients of Lakshmi’s good grace.
Nighttime cityscapes present enchanting vistas over the five days of Diwali in India. Reflecting Lord Rama’s defeat over evil, the symbolic victory of light over darkness, everywhere seems to glitter with the flickering light of diya candles. Bonfires glow in the night as havan prayers are chanted into the flames.
Should you be planning to visit Delhi for Diwali, Cirrus 9 rooftop at The Oberoi, New Delhi not only serves fantastic cocktails, but offers the most magnificent views over the city. It is one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India.
In the holy city of Amritsar near Chandigarh, the Golden Temple is made even more magical by the light of hundreds of diyas lined up around the edges of the waterbody upon which it sits. Stay with us at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh and we would be happy to arrange a private luxury vehicle to take you there.
Venture south into the Golden Triangle and Jaipur’s magnificent hilltop Amber Fort is similarly illuminated to celebrate the Deepavali festival in India 2024. Expect masses of diya lights, handmade lanterns and extended nighttime opening hours that include a special light and sound show. Tickets can be pre-booked via the concierge at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur.
In recent years, the Indian government has imposed restrictions on the use of fireworks during Diwali celebrations in India, including for Diwali 2024. These measures are particularly beneficial for cities like New Delhi, helping to reduce pollution and improve air quality. While Diwali celebrations were once marked by the intensity of fireworks, today the city's charm lies in the soft glow of thousands of diyas, illuminating clearer, often starlit skies.
Diwali 2024 is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care. Diwali gifting has evolved into a celebration in itself, with vibrant melas and fairs offering unique finds for that special someone. It’s also a time when colleagues and clients exchange gifts.
Specially curated hampers from The Oberoi Patisserie and Delicatessen provide a truly luxury gifting experience for Diwali. These hampers are thoughtfully crafted to add a touch of elegance and indulgence, making them the ideal way to celebrate the festive season.
For a versatile gifting option, Oberoi Giftwrapped presents an exceptional choice for Diwali gifting. With Oberoi Giftwrapped, you can select the value of your gift card, add a personalized message, and send it effortlessly. The gift card can be used for stays, including our Diwali hotel offers, as well as dining at our restaurants and more. Gift cards can be purchased using credit or debit cards issued by Indian banks.
For Diwali 2024, Sundar Nagar in Delhi will host a special mela from 30th to 31st October. This event promises high end shopping and gifting opportunities, along with street food and entertainment.
The Great Gurgaon Diwali Carnival from now until 2nd November will also be worth experiencing. Visitors can soak up the Diwali 2024 vibe, partake in shopping, street food and games. There will also be live performances every day.
The biggest Diwali mela will take place at New Delhi’s Dilli Haat from 25th to 27th October. Visitors can expect the usual wide range of cuisines from around India, excellent handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as special Diwali offerings and an exciting outdoor street market vibe.
The Blind Relief Association’s Diwali Mela in New Delhi is a lively, weeklong event showcasing handcrafted products by visually impaired artisans, such as candles and diyas. With vibrant stalls and a festive atmosphere, it’s a popular destination for Diwali shopping.
In remembrance of Lord Rama’s selflessness, during the Deepavali festival in India Hindu devotees help prepare meals or donate gifts to the vulnerable and impoverished within their localities. There are also vast community kitchen events and free meal gatherings, open to all and imbibed with festive spirit.
Stay with us over the Diwali 2024 dates and we will extend our most heartfelt festive hospitality to you and your loved ones. Our hotels and resorts are some of the best places to celebrate Diwali in India. With authentic traditional architecture, beautiful views over our diya-lit grounds or surrounding cities, traditional cuisines and special Diwali offerings.
Our Unforgettable Holidays offer includes accommodation for a minimum of two nights, daily breakfast in the restaurant, happy hours, 15% savings on food and soft beverages, 25% savings on laundry and spa credit of INR 1,500 once during the stay. This offer is available at our resorts in Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Ranthambhore and New Chandigarh.
Book an Oberoi City Breaks for Diwali 2024 and you can enjoy accommodation for a minimum of two nights, daily breakfast in the restaurant, happy hours, 20% savings on food and soft beverages, 20% savings on laundry, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). This offer is valid at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Mumbai only.
Happy Diwali 2024!
