Diwali 2027 Travel Guide – Best Places to Celebrate Diwali in India

The best places to celebrate Diwali 2027 in India include Ayodhya for its riverside Deepotsav, Varanasi for the ghats and the later Dev Deepawali, Mathura and Vrindavan for Govardhan Puja, and Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi, Amritsar, Hyderabad and Kolkata for their own distinctive traditions. In India, Lakshmi Puja falls on Friday 29 October 2027, with Dhanteras on Wednesday 27 October and Bhai Dooj on Sunday 31 October. This guide explains what each place is known for, how to plan around crowds and air quality, and what NRIs flying in should sort out early.

Important: festival dates and puja timings depend on the local Panchang, which is calculated from your location, sunset and the tithi in force. Overseas dates are not the same as Indian dates: in 2027 many families in the USA, UK, Canada and the UAE observe Lakshmi Puja on Thursday 28 October, a day before India. Event dates for public celebrations are set by the organisers each year, so treat everything below as tradition, not a confirmed 2027 programme.

If you are still deciding how to spend the festival, start with our complete Diwali 2027 planning guide, then come back here to pick a destination.

Diwali 2027 Dates in India at a Glance

These are New Delhi calendar dates; regional calendars can differ by a day, so confirm locally.

Kartika Amavasya runs from 8:48 PM IST on Thursday 28 October to 7:06 PM IST on Friday 29 October 2027. For city-wise muhurat, see Lakshmi Puja timings by country and city.

Ayodhya: Deepotsav on the Saryu

Why go: Ayodhya is the city of Lord Rama, and Diwali here recalls his return after fourteen years of exile. The Uttar Pradesh government holds the Deepotsav every year on the eve of Diwali, when lakhs of diyas are lit along the ghats of the Saryu, especially Ram ki Paidi. Our report on the 10th Deepotsav at Ram ki Paidi gives a sense of its scale, and the Uttar Pradesh Diwali guide covering Ayodhya, Varanasi and Braj explains the background.

The tradition: Lamps on the ghats, aarti on the Saryu, processions and cultural programmes, and darshan at the Ram temple and other shrines across the old city.

Practical tips:

• Check the official Uttar Pradesh government and district announcements for the 2027 Deepotsav date and any entry arrangements before you book. Do not assume the date until it is announced.
• Expect security checks, road closures and long walks on the main evening. Many large temples restrict phones, bags and footwear inside, so carry little.
• Book rooms very early; the town fills up around the Deepotsav.

Getting there: Ayodhya has an airport and a railway station, and is reachable by road from Lucknow and Varanasi. Expect heavy traffic near the festival days.

Where to stay: Options range from dharamshalas and guesthouses near the temples to hotels on the outskirts. Some visitors stay in Lucknow and travel in, which needs extra time and an early start on the busiest evening.

Varanasi: Ghats, Annakut and Dev Deepawali

Why go: Kashi is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and the ghats of the Ganga are lit by countless diyas around Diwali. The evening Ganga aarti, temple darshan and the Annakut offerings after Diwali make it a deeply devotional trip. Our Varanasi Diwali guide on Annapurna darshan and Ganga aarti covers the city's customs in detail.

The tradition: Diwali itself is celebrated in homes and temples, followed by Govardhan Puja and Annakut. About two weeks later, on Kartik Purnima, comes Dev Deepawali, when the ghats are lit once more in a celebration traditionally described as the gods' own Diwali. If you can extend your stay, Dev Deepawali is often considered the more spectacular sight, but check the local Panchang for its date as you plan.

Practical tips:

• Ghat steps can be steep and wet. Keep children close.
• Boats for watching the aarti are popular; agree the price and duration in advance and check that life jackets are available.
• Photography is generally allowed on the ghats, but not always inside temples or at cremation ghats, where you should be especially respectful.

Getting there: Varanasi has an airport and major railway stations. Inside the old city, lanes are narrow, so expect to walk or take cycle-rickshaws.

Where to stay: Riverside guesthouses give atmosphere but are hard to reach with luggage; hotels in newer parts of the city are calmer.

Jaipur: Bazaar Lights

Why go: The Pink City's old bazaars are famous for their Diwali illuminations, with whole streets of the walled city decorated in lights.

The tradition: Markets such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are traditionally lit up, and families visit temples and shop for clothes, jewellery and sweets in the days around Dhanteras.

Practical tips:

• Go to the bazaars on foot in the early evening; traffic in the old city is very slow at peak time.
• Watch for pickpockets in crowded lanes. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.

Getting there: Jaipur is well connected by air, rail and road, and is a common add-on from Delhi.

Where to stay: Heritage havelis inside or near the old city, or modern hotels in the newer districts.

Udaipur: Lakes and a Gentler Pace

Why go: Udaipur's palaces, ghats and old city reflected in Lake Pichola make for a beautiful, slightly calmer Diwali. Families who want lamps and lights without the densest crowds often enjoy it.

The tradition: Homes, havelis and ghats are lit with diyas, and temples in the old city see steady streams of devotees.

Practical tips:

• Lakeside rooms with a view are in high demand; book early.
• Respect quiet hours in heritage properties, which often have their own rules about fireworks.

Getting there: Udaipur has an airport and railway station and can be combined with Jaipur on a Rajasthan circuit.

Where to stay: Heritage hotels and guesthouses around the lakes, or hotels in the newer town for lower prices and easier access.

Delhi: Markets, Melas and Family Visits

Why go: Delhi gives you a big-city Diwali: markets selling diyas, decorations, clothes and sweets, temple visits and families exchanging gifts across the city.

The tradition: Shopping in markets such as Chandni Chowk and other neighbourhood bazaars, Lakshmi Puja at home on Friday 29 October, and visiting relatives with sweets and gifts.

Practical tips:

• Delhi authorities have in recent years restricted the sale and bursting of firecrackers. Check the current rules for 2027 before you buy or use any.
• Air quality in Delhi and much of north India often worsens in late October and November. People with asthma or other breathing conditions should carry their usual medication, consider good masks, and talk to their doctor before travel.

Getting there: Delhi is India's main international gateway for many NRIs, which makes it a convenient first stop.

Where to stay: Central areas are best placed for markets and sights; staying near a metro line saves time.

Mathura and Vrindavan: Govardhan Puja and Annakut

Why go: Braj, the land of Lord Krishna, is where Govardhan Puja feels most alive. The festival recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Braj, and temples prepare Annakut, a "mountain of food" offered to the deity. See our Govardhan Puja and Annakut guide for the story and rituals.

The tradition: In 2027, Govardhan Puja and Annakut fall on Saturday 30 October in India. Many devotees walk the Govardhan parikrama, a circuit of the hill that is traditionally around 21 km, and some undertake it barefoot as a vow.

Practical tips:

• If you plan the parikrama, start early, carry water, and know that you can stop when needed. It is a devotional walk, not a race.
• Temples in Vrindavan are often extremely crowded on festival days. Keep valuables to a minimum and agree a meeting point with your group.
• Dress modestly and follow each temple's rules on footwear, phones and photography.

Getting there: Mathura is on major rail lines and can be reached by road from Delhi and Agra. Vrindavan and Govardhan are a short road journey from Mathura.

Where to stay: Ashrams and guesthouses in Vrindavan, or hotels in Mathura. Book early around Govardhan Puja.

Amritsar: Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple

Why go: Amritsar on Diwali is one of the most moving sights in India. For Sikhs the day is Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from imprisonment. The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and its sarovar are illuminated with lamps and lights.

A note of respect: Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh observance in its own right that happens to coincide with Diwali. Visitors of every faith are welcome at the Golden Temple, but please approach it as a guest at a Sikh sacred site rather than as a Diwali attraction. The date in the Sikh calendar can differ from Hindu calendars in some years, so check the announcements of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Practical tips:

• Cover your head (scarves are usually available), remove shoes and socks, and wash your feet before entering.
• Tobacco and alcohol are strictly not permitted.
• Crowds on this day are very large, especially in the evening.

Getting there: Amritsar has an international airport and good rail links.

Where to stay: Hotels close to the temple make evening visits easier; some visitors stay further out for quieter nights.

Hyderabad: Deepavali the Telangana Way

Why go: In Hyderabad and across the Telugu states, Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepavali are celebrated with an early-morning oil bath, new clothes, lamps on every doorstep and plenty of sweets. It is a warm, family-centred Diwali. Our Hyderabad Dhanteras guide describes the local shopping and puja customs.

The tradition: In 2027, Lakshmi Puja in Hyderabad is on Friday 29 October. Amavasya within Pradosh Kaal runs from 5:46 PM to 7:06 PM IST, with the Vrishabha muhurat from 6:49 PM to 7:06 PM IST, so plan sightseeing to finish before evening puja.

Practical tips:

• The old city around Charminar and Laad Bazaar is busy with shoppers for bangles and festive goods; go early in the day.
• Firecracker use is common in residential areas; keep children and pets safe in the evenings.

Getting there: Hyderabad has a large international airport, which suits NRIs from the Gulf, USA and UK.

Where to stay: Areas near the old city suit sightseeing; newer districts suit business travellers and families visiting relatives.

Kolkata: Kali Puja on Amavasya Night

In Kolkata and much of Bengal, the Amavasya of Diwali is above all the night of Kali Puja, with large community pandals and lamps in homes. Kali Puja is timed to Amavasya at midnight, so in some years it falls on the night before the north Indian Lakshmi Puja. Check a Bengali Panjika or local announcements for the 2027 date before you plan a visit.

Practical Tips That Apply Everywhere

• Book early. Late October is peak travel season in India, and festival weekends fill fast.
• Dress: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees works for almost every temple. Carry a light shawl or scarf.
• Temple etiquette: Remove footwear where required, follow the queue, do not touch idols unless invited, and accept prasad with the right hand.
• Footwear: Slip-on shoes save time at temples. Use official shoe counters where available.
• Photography: Rules vary from temple to temple; many prohibit photography inside the sanctum. Look for signs and ask if unsure.
• Pickpockets: Crowded ghats, bazaars and queues attract thieves. Use a money belt or front pocket and carry copies of your documents.
• Air quality: North India often sees poor air around Diwali. If anyone in your group has asthma or a heart or lung condition, plan indoor rest time and carry medication.
• Firecrackers: Rules differ by state and city and can change each year. Stay well back from fireworks in crowded places. Our eco-friendly Diwali 2027 ideas suggest quieter ways to celebrate.

For NRIs Flying In for Diwali 2027

Many families abroad plan a once-in-a-few-years Diwali in India.

• Passport validity: Check that your passport has enough remaining validity for your visa type and the airlines you are using. Many travellers aim for at least six months beyond the travel dates.
• Visa or OCI: If you are a foreign national of Indian origin, you will need either a valid visa (many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa) or an OCI card. Rules on passport renewal and OCI updates change from time to time, so check the official Government of India portals rather than relying on hearsay.
• Book early: Late October is peak season for flights to India. Booking flights and rooms months ahead usually gives more choice.
• The date difference: In India, Lakshmi Puja is on Friday 29 October 2027. In the USA, UK, Canada and the UAE, it is on Thursday 28 October 2027. If you leave relatives abroad, they will celebrate a day earlier than you; arrange a video call around their puja time as well as yours.
• Health and insurance: Carry regular medicines in hand luggage with prescriptions, and consider travel insurance that covers medical care.

If you are staying abroad instead, our guides to celebrating Diwali 2027 in the USA and the Diwali 2027 budget planner can help you plan at home.

Safety on Festival Days

• Agree a meeting point with your group in every crowded place, and give children a card with your phone number.
• Keep emergency numbers saved; in India, 112 is the national emergency number.
• Never pick up unexploded crackers.
• Use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night.
• Keep water with you and do not skip meals during long temple queues.
• Avoid stampede-prone spots at peak times. If a crowd starts surging, move diagonally away from the pressure.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary: Varanasi and Ayodhya

This is one example built around the India dates. Adjust it to the official Deepotsav date once announced and to your own pace.

Alternative: A Delhi–Braj plan works well too: Dhanteras shopping in Delhi, Diwali at home or with relatives in Delhi, then Mathura and Vrindavan for Govardhan Puja on Saturday 30 October and a parikrama, returning to Delhi for Bhai Dooj. For the meaning of each day, see our Bhai Dooj guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali 2027 in India?

Lakshmi Puja is on Friday 29 October 2027 by the New Delhi calendar, with Dhanteras on Wednesday 27 October and Bhai Dooj on Sunday 31 October.

When is the Ayodhya Deepotsav in 2027?

The Uttar Pradesh government holds it every year on the eve of Diwali, but the exact 2027 date and arrangements are announced officially. Check those announcements before booking.

Is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi on the same day as Diwali?

No. Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, about two weeks after Diwali. Check the local Panchang for the exact date.

When is Govardhan Puja 2027 in Mathura and Vrindavan?

Govardhan Puja and Annakut fall on Saturday 30 October 2027 in India.

Can non-Sikhs visit the Golden Temple on Bandi Chhor Divas?

Yes, everyone is welcome, provided they cover their head, remove shoes, and behave respectfully at what is a Sikh sacred site.

Is air pollution a concern for Diwali travel in north India?

Air quality often worsens in late October and November in Delhi and much of north India. People with asthma or other breathing conditions should plan carefully and speak to their doctor.

Why do my relatives abroad celebrate Diwali a day earlier?

Lakshmi Puja follows Amavasya during the local evening. In 2027 that falls on Thursday 28 October in places like the USA, UK, Canada and the UAE, and Friday 29 October in India.

Conclusion

A Diwali in India can be a lifetime memory, whether it is lamps on the Saryu, the ghats of Kashi, a parikrama around Govardhan or a family Deepavali in Hyderabad. Choose a place that suits your group, book early for late October, and confirm every public event with official announcements closer to the date.

For the full picture of dates, puja and preparation, return to the Diwali 2027 guide to planning and celebrating.

Last updated: 9 November 2026.