How to Celebrate Diwali Like a Local in India

Introduction

Every autumn, India transforms into a glittering land of lights, joy, and celebration. Streets sparkle with fairy lights, doorsteps glow with earthen lamps, markets overflow with sweets and gifts, and the sound of laughter mingles with the crackle of fireworks. This is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and one of the grandest celebrations in the country.

The Diwali festival of lights is more than just decoration and fireworks, it is a cultural, spiritual, and social event that brings families, communities, and entire cities together. For travelers, watching Diwali is magical, but celebrating Diwali like a local takes the experience to an entirely different level.

This guide explains how to celebrate Diwali authentically, understanding why Diwali is celebrated, what rituals locals follow, how people prepare for it, the food you must taste, and the best places to join the Diwali celebration in India.

What is Diwali and Why is it Celebrated?

The Indian festival Diwali has deep cultural and religious significance across India. While traditions vary by region, the festival always symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

• In North India: Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps to welcome him home, which is why the festival is called Deepavali (rows of lights).
  
• In Gujarat: Diwali is linked to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and marks the beginning of a new year for the business community.
  
• In West Bengal and Eastern India: Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali.
  
• In South India: The festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
  

So, why is Diwali celebrated? The reasons differ regionally, but the underlying message remains the same: renewal, prosperity, and the victory of light and goodness.

When is Diwali Celebrated?

One common question among travelers is: When is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so the exact date changes every year. It usually falls in October or November, on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Hindu month Kartika.

If you are planning a trip, always check the year’s Hindu calendar for the dates. For locals, Diwali is not just one night but a five-day festival filled with rituals, shopping, prayers, and family gatherings.

The Five Days of Diwali: A Local’s Perspective

To celebrate Diwali in India like a local, it’s essential to understand that it unfolds over five days:

Day 1: Dhanteras

• Families buy gold, silver, or new utensils as symbols of prosperity.
  
• Markets bustle with energy, perfect for travelers to explore and shop.
  

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

• Families take oil baths at dawn, decorate homes, and prepare sweets.
  
• Small lamps are lit in courtyards and entrances.
  

Day 3: Diwali (Main Day)

• The most important day of the Diwali festival celebration in India.
  
• Families perform Lakshmi Puja, lighting diyas and candles to invite the goddess of wealth.
  
• Fireworks, gift exchanges, and feasts follow the rituals.
  

Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut

• Dedicated to Lord Krishna, people prepare a massive variety of vegetarian dishes as offerings.
  
• Communities gather to share food and celebrate abundance.
  

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

• A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.
  

👉 How do people celebrate Diwali? They don’t just light fireworks on one evening, they celebrate for five days, each with its own rituals and traditions.

Preparing for Diwali Like a Local

Celebrating Diwali begins long before the actual day. For locals, the celebration of Diwali includes weeks of preparation:

• House cleaning and decorating: Families deep-clean their homes, repaint walls, and decorate doorways with rangoli and flowers to welcome positive energy.
  
• Shopping: Bazaars fill with colorful lanterns, diyas (lamps), sweets, and gifts. Buying something new, be it clothes, utensils, or jewelry, is considered auspicious.
  
• Festive clothing: Locals buy new traditional outfits like sarees, lehengas, or kurta-pajamas for the festival.
  

Where is Diwali celebrated? Everywhere, from big metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur to small towns and villages. Each place gets transformed with lights and markets brimming with festivity.

Diwali Night: The Festival of Lights

On the main night of Diwali the Festival of Lights, homes and streets glow with thousands of diyas, candles, and fairy lights.

• Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and health.
  
• Children and adults enjoy fireworks and sparklers, although many communities now opt for eco-friendly celebrations.
  
• Rangoli (colorful floor art) adorns entrances, symbolizing happiness and welcome.
  

 How do you celebrate Diwali in India like a local? Join a family for the puja, light diyas with them, and step outside to witness the entire neighborhood glowing in unison, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Food: The Flavor of Diwali Celebrations

One of the best parts of Diwali celebration in India is the food.

1. Sweets (Mithai)

• Must-try favorites: kaju katli, laddus, gulab jamun, jalebi, rasgulla, barfi, soan papdi.
  
• Sweets are exchanged among friends and neighbors as gifts.
  

2. Savories and Snacks

• North India: Samosas, kachoris, mathris, namkeen mixtures.
  
• South India: Murukku, seedai, mixture, adhirasam.
  
• Western India: Chivda, chakli, shakarpara, ghughra.
  

3. The Feast

Families prepare elaborate meals with puris, paneer dishes, curries, and desserts. In some regions, feasts include over 50+ dishes offered as Annakut.

Celebrating Diwali in India without indulging in sweets and snacks is simply impossible, food is central to the joy of the festival.

Gifting Traditions During Diwali

Exchanging gifts is a vital part of Diwali celebrations. Families and businesses gift sweets, dry fruits, chocolates, or even gold coins. Corporate India distributes hampers to employees and clients.

If you’re celebrating with locals, consider carrying a small gift, your hosts will appreciate the gesture.

Where to Celebrate Diwali in India

While Diwali is celebrated across the country, some destinations offer iconic experiences:

• Varanasi: The ghats of the Ganges are illuminated with thousands of lamps. The river reflects fireworks and rituals, making it one of the most breathtaking Diwali festival celebrations in India.
  
• Jaipur & Udaipur: Known for royal palaces and markets glowing with lights. Jaipur even hosts a “Best Decorated Market” competition.
  
• Delhi: Entire neighborhoods organize fairs, food stalls, and community fireworks.
  
• Amritsar: The Golden Temple glows beautifully on Diwali night.
  
• Mumbai: Skyscrapers glitter with fairy lights, and fireworks light up the Arabian Sea.
  
• South India (Chennai, Bangalore): The focus is more on rituals, oil baths, and food traditions.
  

Responsible Diwali: Celebrating Mindfully

Modern celebrations are moving towards eco-friendly practices. Locals increasingly prefer:

• Eco-friendly diyas and lanterns over plastic lights.
  
• Quiet fireworks or laser shows to reduce pollution.
  
• Supporting artisans by buying handmade decorations.
  

As a traveler, you can participate responsibly, light diyas, avoid loud crackers, and shop local.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you’re planning to celebrate Diwali in India, here are some practical suggestions:

• Book early: Transport and hotels sell out fast.
  
• Dress the part: Wear traditional Indian attire to feel included.
  
• Join locals: Accept invitations for pujas, dinners, or community gatherings.
  
• Mind safety: Handle fireworks carefully or simply watch the displays.
  
• Respect rituals: Participate silently during prayers and accept prasad graciously.
  

Conclusion

The Diwali festival of lights is more than just a holiday, it’s an explosion of culture, tradition, and joy. To truly experience it, you must do more than watch from the sidelines. You must light diyas, taste mithai, join prayers, and share laughter with locals.

So, how do you celebrate Diwali like a local in India?
By immersing yourself in the rituals, the food, the markets, and most importantly, the spirit of togetherness.

Wherever you are in India, whether lighting lamps by the Ganges in Varanasi, admiring decorated palaces in Jaipur, or savoring sweets in Delhi, you’ll find that celebrating Diwali in India is one of the most unforgettable cultural experiences you’ll ever have.

Because at its heart, the Indian festival Diwali isn’t just about lights, it’s about illuminating hearts with joy, generosity, and hope.